Hummelo Betony
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Stachys 'Hummelo' forms a low, spreading mound of wrinkled, dark green, ovate leaves. In summer, it sends up numerous upright, leafless flower spikes. Prized for its long-lasting, dense spikes of vibrant rosy-purple, two-lipped flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It was named the 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for root development.
- Ensure the plant receives full sun for optimal growth.
- Water deeply once a week, allowing soil to dry between watering.
- Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer in spring and mid-summer.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately, keeping soil evenly moist 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Apply organic fertilizer in spring and summer
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid heavy fertilization that can promote leggy growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hummelo Betony questions
What zones can Hummelo Betony grow in?
Hummelo Betony is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hummelo Betony deer resistant?
Yes — Hummelo Betony is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hummelo Betony bloom?
Hummelo Betony typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hummelo Betony need full sun?
Hummelo Betony does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Hummelo Betony drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hummelo Betony handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Stachys byzantina 'Fuzzy Wuzzy'
Lamb's Ear
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Lamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina
Wood Betony
Stachys officinalis
Large-flowered Betony
Stachys macrantha
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hummelo Betony with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
