Stachys officinalis Hummelo

Delightful cultivars of a cottage garden favourite Related to the wonderous British native wildflower, Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' amplifies the beauty of these delicate and prolific blooms to new levels. So popular are these pretty blooms that they have been developed into garden cultivars which make the most of their alluring properties. Probably the biggest success story so far, 'Hummelo' was developed in the 1960s and takes its name from the breeder, Piet Oudolf's garden. This well-established favourite is now a familiar and welcome sight in naturalistic planting schemes, where blooms shine forth from June to September each year, producing fat spikes of dense, fluffy flowers in shades of mauve, rich pink and pale pink. Stachys officinalis has many common names such as betony, hedge nettle and bishop's wort.Historically, it was used to protect churchyards against ghosts, for wool dyeing and even as an ingredient in 'Pitstoja powder' - an old remedy for gout! Plant Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo' in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil which benefits from full sun or partial shade. A fully hardy, semi-evergreen perennial which reaches a height and spread of 70-75cm with an AGM award from the RHS for outstanding garden performance.