Stachys 'Hummelo Summer Grapes'
Stachys 'Hummelo Summer Grapes' is a compact perennial with rich green textured foliage and upright spikes of deep rose purple flowers that rise above the foliage in summer. Its sturdy flower stems and long bloom period bring strong vertical color to sunny borders while its tidy clumping habit makes it especially useful for mass plantings and edging.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This cultivated Stachys selection is derived from species native to Europe and is not native to North America. It is valued in gardens for its strong flowering performance and ability to support a wide range of pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which visit the dense flower spikes for abundant nectar and pollen.
Butterflies
- Draws butterflies including Painted Ladies and other nectar feeding species throughout its extended summer bloom.
Hummingbirds
- The upright tubular flowers provide an attractive nectar source for hummingbirds which readily visit the colorful spikes.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to create a dense planting while allowing individual clumps enough room to develop without crowding.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and massed edging where the upright flower spikes provide strong summer color above the foliage.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Adds large daisy like flowers and extends the pollinator display into midsummer.
- Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) - Creates a soft blue purple backdrop that complements the deeper flower spikes.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Provides airy lavender flowers and silvery foliage that contrast with the darker green leaves.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds fine upright grass texture and warm fall color around the summer flowers.
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Brings strong vertical structure that frames the compact mounding form.