Stachys ‘Hummelo’

Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ Looking for a champion, long blooming summer perennial that thrives in baking hot, sunny spots that would have other plants wilting in defeat? Allow me to introduce Stachys o. ‘Hummelo’. Masses of rose-purple flower spikes dance atop stiff stems through the summer months. The flowers are adored by pollinators but snubbed by deer and rabbits. They also make nice cut flowers. Its low-mounded, crinkled foliage is a pleasing deep green. Being the trooper that it is, ‘Hummelo’ also tolerates being planted near Black Walnut. ‘Hummelo’ came up with the top rating among all Stachys in Chicago Botanic Garden’s trial evaluations. It does best in full to part sun and is hardy in Zones 4 – 8. (photo courtesy of Bluestone Perennials)
Heucherella FUN AND GAMES ‘Leapfrog’ I had the opportunity to trial this new Heucherella a few years back and I went hopping wild over it! The dazzling leaves light up my shade bed. The small white flowers in spring are not the main attraction (unless you are a pollinator!). But the leaves are ooh-la-la. They unfurl chartreuse yellow with burgundy-red centers in spring, then morph to lime green with purple interiors in summer, and finally finish the foliage fashion parade in fall with apricot and rose tones. FUN AND GAMES ‘Leapfrog’ forms neat mounds, 10”-12” tall with a broader spread. They enjoy part shade to full shade. Great companion plantings include frosty blue-leaf Hosta ‘Halycon’ and Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (with blood red plumes). FUN AND GAMES ‘Leapfrog’ is hardy in Zones 4 – 9. If you can’t find it at your local garden center, you can order it on line from Proven Winners