Stachys officinalis Hummelo (Bettony)
Wood Betony ‘Hummelo’ (Stachys officinalis) is a wonderful perennial featuring hot pink flower spikes that emerge on stiff, square stems from a neat mound of glossy, dark green, heart-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves with scalloped edges. Blooming for weeks from early to mid-summer, the blooms hold their shape through the fall, providing structural interest even after they are spent. This plant is a beauty from the moment it begins to develop in spring and provides a spectacular display when massed.
Wood Betony 'Hummelo' (Stachys officinalis) is a wonderful perennial featuring hot pink flower spikes that emerge on stiff, square stems from a neat mound of glossy, dark green, heart-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves with scalloped edges. Blooming for weeks from early to mid-summer, the blooms hold their shape through the fall, providing structural interest even after they are spent. This plant is a beauty from the moment it begins to develop in spring and provides a spectacular display when massed.
- This plant has a tidy look to it, without requiring any pruning to keep it that way.
- Aside from the interest provided by its lovely blossoms, it is drought tolerant (once established), deer or rabbit resistant and requires little maintenance.
- Thriving in full sun or light shade (in hot and humid areas), in average, medium, well-drained soils, it generally grows in a compact, rounded clump up to 2 feet tall (60 cm).
- Pollinators are attracted to the abundant nectar provided by the tiny, orchid-like flowers that comprise the brightly colored spikes.
- Hardy to zones 4 to 8, this plant keeps its foliage in warm winter climates.
- Wonderful for edging, borders, informal naturalized spots or cottage gardens. Valuable as a cut flower too! Plant in groups of 3 or more, for better visual impact.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 4 – 8 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Stachys |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12″ – 18″ (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |