Great Design Plant: 'Hummelo' Betony (Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo')

Like pop stars, perennials come and go — but 'Hummelo' betony (Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo') is a rising star destined for the hall of fame, at least in my Southern garden.

Botanical name: Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'
Common name: 'Hummelo' betony
Origin: S. officinalis native to Europe and Asia; 'Hummelo' introduced by Piet Oudolf, named for his Dutch hometown
Zones: 4–8 (hardy to –30°F)
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average (1 inch/week)
Size: Up to 2 ft tall and wide
Benefits: Deer, rabbit, and black walnut tolerant; no serious pests/diseases (occasional slugs); some drought tolerance once established
Seasonal interest: Leaves emerge midspring; purple flowers midsummer; semi-evergreen in warm zones, generally deciduous
When to plant: Spring or fall

Shown: With 'Curly Tops' sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Curly Tops', Zones 4–8).

Distinguishing Traits

Unlike fuzzy lamb's ear (S. byzantina), 'Hummelo' has smooth, bright green leaves that tolerate heat and humidity far better. Cheerful foliage appears midspring. Erect 12-inch inflorescences emerge late spring/early summer; purple flowers follow in midsummer. (Genus name from Greek for "ear of corn," referencing flower arrangement.) Forms a dense leaf mass, functioning as ground cover when planted 6–12 inches apart.

How to Use It

Ideal for naturalizing in meadows or informal gardens. For maximum impact, plant in drifts (matrix style).

Shown: In foreground with ornamental allium (Allium sp.).

Pinkish-purple spikes contrast beautifully with dark purple foliage: 'Grace' smokebush (Cotinus 'Grace', Zones 4–8), 'Summer Chocolate' mimosa (Albizia julibrissin 'Summer Chocolate', Zones 7–10), 'Diabolo' ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo', Zones 2–8), 'Blue Star' juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star', Zones 4–8).

At a sunny woodland edge, 'Hummelo' connects meaningfully with shade-loving astilbe (Astilbe sp., Zones 3–9) behind it.

Planting Notes

Site in full sun or partial shade (preferred in South) in average to moist, well-drained soil. Water twice weekly until established.

More: Want a More Colorful, Natural Garden? Try a Perennial Meadow. See more guides on growing colorful flowers.