Overview
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' is a plant with a low-growing perennial habit in the genus Stachys, part of the Lamiaceae family, with silvery, woolly leaves foliage. Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include front of borders, ground cover and cottage gardens.
About
A perennial member of the mint family Lamiaceae, Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' is a named cultivar of betony that provides a prolonged summer display. It produces its flower spikes between June and September. Plants are valued for their summer flowering habit and for use where a sustained display is needed. Cutting back spent flower stalks helps keep the clump tidy and encourages fresh growth.
About the genus
Stachys is a genus of plants, one of the largest in the mint family Lamiaceae. Estimates of the number of species vary from about 300 to about 450. Plants of the World Online accepts 373 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Stachys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stachys
In the garden
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' sits within the Lamiaceae and is a cultivated form of betony grown for its summer-flowering spikes. In the UK it reliably flowers from June to September, making it useful where a continuous summer display is required. The flowering period is the defining seasonal feature to plan around when siting plants. Allow adequate space for individual plants to show their flowering stems without being lost among taller neighbours; position where the flower spikes will be visible at eye level. After flowering, cut back the spent stalks to tidy the plant and to promote fresh shoots; periodic division of congested clumps will rejuvenate older plants. Watering and feeding should follow general perennial practice rather than specialist regimes. Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' suits perennial borders, cottage-style plantings and mixed herbaceous beds where its summer bloom can be read alongside other mid-season perennials. Reflowering and the season-long presence of blooms make it a useful component for gardeners aiming to extend colour through the summer. Expect its display to begin in June and continue until September, after which maintenance pruning refreshes the planting for the following season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stachys
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Low-growing perennial
- Foliage
- Silvery, woolly leaves
- Suggested uses
- Front of borders, ground cover, cottage gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spots
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'?
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' need?
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' hardy in the UK?
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'?
Division, seed.
