Lambs Ear, Hummelo #1

Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'

Height: 18-24in
Spread: 18-24in
Zone: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time/Color: July-September; purple
Uses: Naturalizing, borders, cottage gardens, groundcover
Maintenance: Low
Other: Deer resistant

It is easy to see why 'Hummelo' is the winner of 2019's Perennial Plant of the Year®. Betony blooms for a very long period, especially if it is deadheaded after the first bloom. Clusters of rosy-purple blooms sit atop dense mounds of bright green, wrinkled oval leaves that can fill an area quickly making 'Hummelo' perfect for naturalized areas or low borders. Plants prefer evenly moist conditions, but can tolerate some drought once established and do best in full sun in well-drained soils. Also virtually disease and insect resistant and often deer avoid this plant.