Stachys monieri 'Hummelo' (20)ct Flat
Common name: Alpine Betony, Wood Betony.
Zone 4 to 8.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 18 to 20 inches tall and 18 inches wide, clump-forming perennial.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Unlike its cousin Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear), this species forms large, rounded clumps of green, long and narrow, textured leaves. It is lovely even when it's not in bloom. In midsummer, sturdy spikes of lavender-rose flowers shoot up through the foliage, putting on a display. Removing faded flowers will encourage more buds to form for weeks.
Since it is relatively unknown to many gardeners, people always gasp in awe of this plant when it is in bloom. A unique addition to any sunny border!
Stachys grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Good drainage is essential for this plant. Plants may be clipped back hard immediately after blooming, to tidy up the clumps for the rest of the season. Divide every 3 to 4 years in spring, or more frequently if plants become woody in the center.
Stachys m. 'Hummelo' received the highest rating out of 22 stachys studied in the 1998-2004 Plant Evaluation Trials at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. This genus contains many members with foliage and plant habits completely different from the common gray-leafed (and somewhat invasive) Lamb�??s Ears.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut flower or foliage, Mass Planting. Deer and Rabbit resistant. |
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