Stachys monieri 'Hummelo' (Betony)

The 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year winner from the Perennial Plant Association! This lovely perennial adds wonderful color and texture to the perennial garden. From the same family as Lambs Ear but unlike 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. From early thru midsummer, sturdy spikes of lavender-rose flowers shoot up through the foliage, putting on quite a display. An important pollinator plant, Hummel means bumblebee in German - appropriate for this pollinator magnet - as well as honoring the town of Hummelo, Netherlands. Perennial Stachys performs like a Salvia, and deer will leave it alone. 

Though this plant is relatively unknown to many gardeners, it makes a unique addition to any sunny border. Once you try it, you'll see that it goes with just about everything else in the garden. It is very easy to grow and deserves to be planted more widely in American landscapes.

Height:

18-20 inches

Spread:

18 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink/Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun To Part Shade 

photos courtesy of Walters Gardens