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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |




