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