Learn all about Stachys Hummelo, from care tips and bloom time to companion plants and more. Perfect for USA gardeners!
Hi there! I’m Ashley Scott, and with over 10 years of gardening experience, I’ve learned a thing or two about plants that make a garden shine. On my website, USA Garden Hub, I love sharing tips and tricks to help gardeners like you grow stunning landscapes. Today, I’m diving into one of my all-time favorites: Stachys Hummelo. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant color and attracts pollinators, you’re in for a treat.
A few summers ago, I was on a mission to find a plant that could brighten up a shady corner of my garden without needing constant attention. That’s when I discovered Stachys Hummelo. Its reddish-purple flower spikes and lush green leaves stole my heart, and it’s been a star in my garden ever since. Named the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2019, this beauty is easy to grow and perfect for gardeners across the USA. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Stachys Hummelo, from how to care for it to where you can buy it.
What is Stachys Hummelo?
Stachys Hummelo, also called Betony ‘Hummelo’ or Purple Betony, is a herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae family. Unlike its fuzzy cousin, Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina), this plant boasts glossy, scallop-edged leaves and spikes of lavender-rose flowers that bloom in early to midsummer. It’s native to Europe and Asia, but it’s become a beloved addition to American gardens.
I love how Stachys Hummelo forms neat clumps, reaching about 18-20 inches tall with flower spikes stretching up to 24 inches. It’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, or even as a ground cover. Plus, it’s a pollinator magnet—bees and butterflies flock to it! In 2019, it earned the Perennial Plant of the Year title from the Perennial Plant Association, and it topped the charts in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s trials. That’s proof it’s a winner!
Is Stachys Hummelo Native?
No, Stachys Hummelo isn’t native to the USA. It hails from Europe and Asia—its name even comes from a district in the Netherlands called Hummelo. But don’t let that stop you! It’s hardy in USDA zones 4-8, which spans most of the country, from chilly northern states to warmer southern ones.
In my garden (I’m in zone 6), Stachys Hummelo thrives without a hitch. It’s adaptable and feels right at home here, even if it’s not a native. If you’re curious about native plants, check out my guide on 12 Pink Perennials That Bloom Year After Year (My Top Picks!) over at USA Garden Hub.
How to Care for Stachys Hummelo
One reason I adore Stachys Hummelo is how easy it is to care for. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, here’s what you need to know:
Light
Stachys Hummelo loves full sun—at least 6 hours a day—but it can handle partial shade too. In my yard, it blooms best in a sunny spot, though I’ve noticed the leaves stay perkier with a bit of afternoon shade in hot summers.
Soil
Plant it in well-drained, moist soil. It’s not picky about soil type (loam, sand, or clay all work), but good drainage is key. I mix in some compost before planting to give it a nutrient boost—works like a charm!
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first year. I water mine deeply once a week during dry spells, but once established, it can handle short droughts. Mulch helps keep the roots happy.
Fertilizing
It’s not a hungry plant. I sprinkle a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring, and that’s it. Skip the heavy nitrogen stuff—it’ll give you more leaves than flowers.
Maintenance
- Deadheading: Snip off spent flowers to encourage more blooms. I’ll share more on this later!
- Dividing: Every 3-4 years, divide clumps to keep it vigorous. Spring or fall works best.
- Pruning: Trim back after blooming if you like a tidy look.
For more perennial care tips, visit the University of Minnesota Extension.
What’s the Size of Stachys Hummelo?
Stachys Hummelo grows to about 18-20 inches tall and spreads 18 inches wide. The flower spikes add a few extra inches, topping out around 24 inches. It’s a clump-former, spreading slowly via creeping stems. In my garden, it’s compact enough for borders but lush enough to fill a space.
Can You Grow Stachys Hummelo from Seeds?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Stachys Hummelo is a cultivar, so seeds might not match the parent plant exactly. I’ve had better luck dividing clumps or buying starter plants. If you’re set on seeds, here’s how:
- Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow seeds on moist soil, pressing them in lightly.
- Keep them warm (around 70°F); they’ll sprout in 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant after frost danger passes.
Honestly, I stick to divisions—it’s faster and foolproof!
Is Stachys Hummelo Invasive?
Good news: Stachys Hummelo isn’t invasive. It spreads slowly and stays in check. I’ve never had it take over, and you can easily manage it by dividing clumps. It’s a polite guest in the garden!
Where Can I Buy Stachys Hummelo?
You can find Stachys Hummelo for sale at local garden centers, online nurseries, or even on USA Garden Hub. I snagged mine from a nearby nursery, but online spots like Walter’s Gardens are great too. Look for healthy plants with strong roots.
What Are Good Companion Plants for Stachys Hummelo?
Stachys Hummelo plays well with others. Here are my top picks:
- Geraniums: Their blue or pink blooms pop next to the purple spikes.
- Shasta Daisies: White flowers contrast beautifully.
- Ornamental Grasses: Think fountain grass for texture.
- Lavender: Matches the purple vibe perfectly.
In my garden, I’ve paired it with catmint, and the combo is stunning. Learn more about companion planting at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
When Does Stachys Hummelo Bloom?
Stachys Hummelo blooms from early to midsummer—late June to August in my yard. The flowers last weeks, and with deadheading, you might stretch it longer. It’s a summer showstopper!
How Tall Does Stachys Hummelo Grow?
It hits 18-20 inches tall, with flower spikes reaching 24 inches. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for airflow. I’ve found this spacing keeps them healthy and looking full.
How to Deadhead or Prune Stachys Hummelo
Deadheading
To deadhead Stachys Hummelo, grab some shears and cut spent flower spikes back to the base. I do this every few weeks during bloom time—it keeps the plant tidy and coaxes out more flowers.
Pruning
After blooming, trim back stalks if you want. I sometimes leave them for winter interest, then cut back in spring before new growth. Easy peasy! The University of Wisconsin Horticulture Extension has more pruning tips.
Does Stachys Hummelo Rebloom?
Yes, it can! Deadheading helps Stachys Hummelo rebloom or extend its season. In my garden, I get a second wave of flowers—smaller, but still lovely. Even without reblooming, the foliage stays pretty all season.
Final Thoughts
Stachys Hummelo is a gardener’s dream—beautiful, easy, and versatile. Whether you’re jazzing up a border or attracting bees, it’s a winner. I hope this guide inspires you to try it out. Got questions? Drop them below or swing by USA Garden Hub to chat more!
Happy gardening!