New Moon Nurseries

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 2019 Perennial Plant of the Year as chosen by The Perennial Plant Association.

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ is a rhizomatous perennial the produces basal rosettes of dark green glossy ovate basal leaves. Tiny two-lipped rose-lavender flowers appear in dense spikes atop mostly leafless flowering stems from mid-summer through September. Plants will spread over time to form a dense groundcover. Leaves remain evergreen in its southern range.

Sometimes sold as Stachys monieri ‘Humello’.

HABITAT & HARDINESS:  Native to Europe and Asia. This low maintenance perennial is easily grown in full sun to partial shade in average, medium to well drained soils. Soil should be kept evenly moist, but established plants may have some drought tolerance. Appreciates afternoon shade in warmer and humid climates.

 This species is hardy from USDA Zones 4-8.

PLANT DESCRIPTION:  Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ of the mint family and has interesting puckered basal leaves up to 5 inches long. This spreading rhizomatous perennial produces basal rosettes of dark green glossy ovate basal leaves. Tiny two-lipped rose-lavender flowers appear in dense spikes atop mostly leafless stems from mid-summer through September. Plants will spread over time to form a dense groundcover.

Plants are 1.5’ – 2’ tall with 1.5’ - 2’ spread.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Plant 12-18” apart in full sun to partial shade. Prefers average to medium soils. Deadheading will help to maintain an attractive appearance and may result in a second flush of flowers. Leaves remain evergreen in its southern range and should not be removed until Spring no matter where in their hardiness zones they have been grown to prevent rot.

LANDSCAPE USES:  An excellent groundcover, or planting that may be used for the front or mid-border. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants are deer and rabbit resistant. Tolerant of Juglone

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS:  Try pairing with perennial Geraniums, Echinacea p. 'Powwow White', Sesleria autumnalis, Sporobolus heterolepis, Aster ‘Purple Dome’.

Salvia 'May Night' has similar cultural needs and can be substituted if needed.

TRIVIA:  2019 Perennial Plant of the Year. Rated 6 stars in a 5 star system by the Chicago Botanic Garden evaluation of cultivated Stachys.