Each year the members of the Perennial Plant Association vote to decide their Perennial Plant of the Year and in 2019 they have chosen Stachys ‘Hummelo’ (Stachys officinalis). While not a native this plant can still serve as a wonderful addition to any planting garden to bring in pollinators and add a spark of purple color throughout mid summer. Pollinators are drawn to the striking magenta flowers that rise above bright green, trouble-free foliage. ‘Hummelo’ was the highest rated Stachys in the Chicago Botanic Garden Evaluation Trials for its strong flower production, vigor, habit, quality and winter hardiness making it a great option for planting use. This colorful and compact winner fits excellently into the full sun perennial border and is terrific when combined with ornamental grasses, Echinacea purpurea, and Asclepias tuberosa (2018 Perennial Plant of the Year®).
Landscaping and Design 