• Stachys &
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Stachys 'Hummelo'

Betony

Stachys 'Hummelo' is a compact, fully hardy herbaceous perennial bearing dense spikes of rosy-purple flowers beloved by bumblebees throughout early and mid-summer.

Supplied as an established plant in a 3 litre pot

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Stachys &
Stachys &

Aspect

Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness

Fully hardy

Flowers

Summer

Soil

Loam, sand, chalk, clay

About this plant

Neat, bee-loved spikes for the summer border

  • Description

    Stachys 'Hummelo' is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial producing dense, upright spikes of small rosy-purple flowers held well above a neat mound of wrinkled, deep green foliage. It flowers prolifically from early summer, with deadheading or cutting back encouraging a strong second flush later in the season. A superb pollinator plant, it is particularly attractive to bumblebees and is far tidier and more garden-worthy than many of its relatives, holding its structure well without flopping.

  • Why we like it

    “

    'Hummelo' has earned its reputation as one of the best border perennials of recent decades, and it is not hard to see why. The tightly packed flower spikes have a satisfying precision about them, the bumblebees adore it, and it simply does not misbehave: no flopping, no spreading, no fuss. Cut it back after the first flush and it rewards you with a second round of flowers later in the season.

Specs & details

The particulars

Botanical name
Stachys 'Hummelo'
Common name
Betony
Supplied as
3 litre pot
Flower colour
Purple
Eventual height
45–60 cm
Eventual spread
45–60 cm
Flowering period
Summer
Habit
Compact clump-forming perennial
Life cycle
Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness
Fully hardy
Aspect
Full sun to partial shade
Soil type
Loam, sand, chalk, clay
Moisture
Well-drained to moist but well-drained
Position
Front of border, mid-border, patio container
Plant spacing
4–5 plants per m²
Growing skill
Easy to grow

Plant calendar

When to plant, when it performs

 
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Planting
Flowering

Plant in spring or early autumn for best establishment. Flowers from June into July; cutting back spent spikes promptly can extend interest into late summer with a second flush.

Planting & care

Help it thrive

Planting guide

Stachys 'Hummelo' is straightforward to establish and tolerates a wide range of soils, provided they are not waterlogged for extended periods. Plant in spring or early autumn, setting the crown at soil level and spacing plants around 50 cm apart to allow for the mature spread. It does well in average to moderately fertile soil; overly rich conditions can produce lush but lax growth. In containers, use a loam-based compost with good drainage and site in a sheltered spot with at least half a day of sun.

Care tips

Stachys 'Hummelo' is an undemanding plant once established. Water during dry spells in the first season; mature plants cope well with dry conditions. After the main flowering flush in June and July, cut the spent stems back to the basal foliage to encourage fresh growth and a second flush of flowers in late summer. In late autumn or early spring, cut all stems back to the low rosette of leaves at the base. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigour. No regular feeding is necessary; an occasional top-dressing of garden compost in spring is ample.

Winter care

Stachys 'Hummelo' is fully hardy and requires no winter protection. Cut the stems back to the basal foliage rosette in late autumn or early spring; the leaves provide some ground-level interest over winter. Division every three or four years in spring helps keep the clump vigorous.