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.
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.
'Hummelo' received the highest rating out of 22 Stachys studied in the Plant Evaluation Trials at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The trial was run from 1998-2004 by Richard G. Hawke. Both 'Helene von Stein' (aka 'Big Ears') and 'Silver Carpet' also received very high scores.
20ct Plug Tray |
30ct Plug Tray |
Height:
18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread:
18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Pink shades Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Easy To Grow Mass Planting
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Stachys grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Good drainage is essential for this plant. Divide every 3-4 years in spring or more frequently if plants become woody in the center.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late winter to spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks
Growing Temperature:
62-68° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.0
Fertility:
Feed moderatly with 75 - 125 ppm N at each watering.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
The primary diseases likely to infect Stachys include powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia, rust, Sclerotium and various leaf spot pathogens. Aphids, caterpillars and cyclamen mites may occasionally be found feeding on them.
Potting & Timing:
Plant plugs in late winter to spring. Large plugs will finish quickly.
Moisture:
Moderate moisture
Planting Level:
Top of plug should be level with the soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
Not required
Lighting:
Long days required. If forcing for early season sales you should provide 14 hour days via daylight extension.
Grower Tips:
It takes approximately six to eight weeks to reach flowering when they are grown at 65° F under long days.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2019
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant -- 2019
Height:
18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread:
18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Pink shades Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Summer Midsummer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Easy To Grow Mass Planting
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Stachys grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Good drainage is essential for this plant. Divide every 3-4 years in spring or more frequently if plants become woody in the center.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late winter to spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks
Growing Temperature:
62-68° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.0
Fertility:
Feed moderatly with 75 - 125 ppm N at each watering.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
The primary diseases likely to infect Stachys include powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia, rust, Sclerotium and various leaf spot pathogens. Aphids, caterpillars and cyclamen mites may occasionally be found feeding on them.
Potting & Timing:
Plant plugs in late winter to spring. Large plugs will finish quickly.
Moisture:
Moderate moisture
Planting Level:
Top of plug should be level with the soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
Not required
Lighting:
Long days required. If forcing for early season sales you should provide 14 hour days via daylight extension.
Grower Tips:
It takes approximately six to eight weeks to reach flowering when they are grown at 65° F under long days.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2019
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant -- 2019
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