Weed or Stachys 'Hummelo'?

deanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b

12 years ago

I did WS some Stachys 'Hummelo' last year. This plant came up where I had WS it, and its foliage sure looks similar. But, now that it's blooming I'm pretty sure it's a standard weed I see around here but don't know the name. Surely something this unimpressive can't be Hummelo, which people rave about! I did find one picture of Hummelo's foliage close enough to see vein structure, and I think it's different. Both leaves have some notching/scallops on the edges, but I think the veining may be different. Hummelo looked like the veins went right out to the sides, whereas this one has veins that steer towards the tip. But, it was VERY hard to see the picture, so I still can't be sure. What is this thing? A sickly 'Hummelo' or a weed? If it's not 'Hummelo' then I find it ironic that it not only looks so similar but also has the same bloom time.

Comments (7)

jaynine
12 years ago
I'm pretty sure it's Lobelia inflata/Indian Tobacco.
pixie_lou
12 years ago
I have that same "weed" blooming in my garden right now. I just noticed it this week and was debating if I should yank it. It's growing near my motherwort, and the combo looks pretty. But I don't want my garden to end up full of it.
Related Professionals
Maple Valley Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wrentham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Horsham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Clermont Landscape Contractors · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Bellefontaine Neighbors Landscape Contractors · Edinburg Landscape Contractors · Federal Way Landscape Contractors · Placerville Landscape Contractors · Shoreview Landscape Contractors · Vancouver Landscape Contractors · Wallingford Landscape Contractors · Baileys Crossroads Landscape Contractors · Albemarle Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Ashland Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures
WendyB 5A/MA
12 years ago
definitely not Stachys Hummelo, which has very distinctive foliage.
deanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
Original Author
12 years ago
You hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what it is. And...while I was pulling this weed I found, hidden nearby, a TRUE Stachys 'Hummelo.' It must have overwintered but not been too strong as it's not very big and no bloom this year. It should make it to next year, though.

Thank you, jaynine!
jaynine
12 years ago
You're welcome. Good luck with your 'Hummelo'.
ginny12
12 years ago
Stachys 'Hummelo' is completely different from this plant. It has large, showy pink flowers. There are other wonderful Stachys cultivars even better than 'Hummelo' (in my opinion). Not so easy to find in nurseries so mail order on them. Like 'Grandiflora'. Very showy, very reliable.
diggingthedirt
12 years ago
Ginny, why is 'Grandiflora' better than Hummelo? Bigger flowers, longer bloom period, better foliage, or more robust? I like Hummelo, but can't say it's my favorite plant. I do like the timing of the blooms, which is just after the perennial Salvias are finished with their first flush of bloom. I hadn't heard of Grandiflora before, but it does look nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: S. Gradiflora at Lazy S's Farm