Betony (Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo')

Overview

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’, commonly known as Betony, is highly valued in perennial borders for its reliably vivid summer floral display and tidy clumping habit. Unlike some relatives known for foliage, this cultivar earns its keep through spectacular, dense spikes of rose-lavender flowers that attract garden visitors during the mid-summer lull. The plant forms attractive basal rosettes of glossy, dark green leaves, offering excellent texture contrast against brighter, more delicate perennials.

This herbaceous perennial establishes quickly, spreading moderately via creeping stems to form a dense ground cover over time, making it an excellent mid-border filler. With its low maintenance requirements and strong performance in well-drained soil, Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ provides long-lasting seasonal interest without demanding constant attention. Gardeners appreciate the structure and color provided by this robust European native.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: July to September
• Bloom Description: Rose-lavender
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Betony, or Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’, best during the spring or fall in a location receiving full sun for the most prolific flowering. It thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils—avoiding overly rich or soggy conditions is key to its long-term health. If you are using it as a ground cover, space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for natural spreading via stolons.

During the growing season, maintain an even moisture level. While established plants show some drought tolerance, consistent medium watering prevents stress, especially during dry spells in high heat. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is average; over-fertilizing can lead to floppy growth rather than sturdy flowering stems.

Maintenance for Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ is minimal. Deadheading spent flower stalks encourages a desirable second flush of blooms later in the season. In climates experiencing harsh winters, the basal foliage may look diminished, but healthy clumps will rebound strongly in spring.

Landscape Uses

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ excels in informal settings and traditional cottage gardens where its upright spikes add vertical structure among softer plantings. Its reliable spreading nature makes it an outstanding choice for naturalizing areas, softening edges, or creating low, colorful drifts where a dense mat of foliage is desired.

Due to its moderate height (up to 2 feet), this Betony works perfectly as a mid-layer plant in layered borders, situated just behind low edging subjects but in front of taller structural shrubs or grasses. Consider pairing the rose-lavender flowers with silvery foliage plants or silvery-leaved lamb’s ears (a close relative) to enhance the visual depth of the border.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Stachys officinalis is native to Europe and Asia, noted for its vivid floral display across upright spikes of reddish-purple, two-lipped, tubular flowers. The cultivar ‘Hummelo’ specifically features basal rosettes of glossy, dark green leaves and its signature rose-lavender flowers atop stems rising to 1.5-2’ tall during summer. Clumps spread over time, effectively forming a dense ground cover, though the leaves may decline in very harsh winters.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

No serious insect or disease problems typically affect Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’. Snails and slugs can occasionally be occasional visitors, especially when new growth is emerging. Manage these pests culturally by ensuring good air circulation or by employing targeted, non-systemic baits if populations become problematic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Betony suitable for?

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ is reliable in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ grow?

This perennial generally reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2 feet once established.

What sun exposure does Betony need?

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ requires full sun exposure for best flowering performance, though it can appreciate light afternoon shade in extremely hot, humid regions.

When does Betony bloom?

This variety produces its striking rose-lavender blooms starting in July and continuing through September.

Conclusion

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ (Betony) is a highly rewarding, low-maintenance perennial that brings reliable vertical interest and rich color to the mid-to-late summer garden through its vivid flower spikes. Its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for mass planting or edging. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and ensure you can provide the medium water needs this robust plant prefers.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’, look for plants that compliment its mid-summer bloom time and robust texture. Consider using plants that prefer similar sun and soil conditions, such as Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) which offers a contrasting silver-blue hue. Shorter, mounding plants like various Sedums or ornamental alliums that finish blooming before the Betony hits its peak are also excellent choices to fill the space around the spreading clumps of Stachys.

Propagation Tips

The primary method for increasing your stock of Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ is through division, which should ideally be done in early spring or fall. Because the plant spreads readily via creeping stems, you can easily locate these rooted stolons along the edges of established clumps. Carefully dig up the rooted sections, ensuring each division has a good network of roots attached, and transplant them immediately to their new location.

Structure and Form

A key feature of Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ is the strong contrast between the basal foliage clump and the upright flowering stems. The basal leaves form a dense mat, typically 9-12 inches tall, which serves as a substantial underpinning for the taller flower spikes rising up to 2 feet. This architectural difference allows the plant to function exceptionally well both as a ground cover and as a specimen in perennial groupings.