This is Stachys 'Hummelo' of the Lambs Ear family. Yes, you read me right! I couldn't believe it either, when I purchased these plants last year. However, here they are. And the bumble bees love them! They are in the raised bed gardens. This photo was taken last Sunday night during a quick tour around the yeard. We had just arrived home from visiting our Michigan family.
A setting sun and shade are not a great combination when it comes to taking photographs with my little digital camera. It means that I have to hold very, very still! lol. ;-)
These are so amazingly different from the usual Lamb's Ears! Glad the bumblebees love them - I'm trying to create a bumblebee-friendly environment in the garden.
ReplyDeleteIs your title a challenge? it's hard to really say because I think some are in shadow, but there may be a dozen. Very nice. Lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiufl. I can see why the bees like them.
ReplyDeleteIf the bees ain't happy, nobody's happy. I love that purple!
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip to Iowa! All I remember is CORN COrn and more corn. ;)
Rosey
Phoenix C, The bumble bees LOVE this flower. I cannot believe how many were flocking on it again this evening. You had better check it out! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Bobbie, It was difficult to see them all, wasn't it? It was the lighting, sorry. The plants were covered with Bumble Bees again tonight!
Lisa, I guess I'm a little "slow," but I hadn't seen these plants until last Summer. Lately I've spotted them here and there.
Hi Rosey, We do have a lot of corn here. :-) And a lot of hot, humid weather which usually escalates in late July and August.
These are my favorite new plants, too! The bees love them and I think I will add more...gail
ReplyDeleteI think the Lurie Garden in Chiacgo had a similar non-lamb's-ear-looking stachys that I was like, "No way is that a stachys"--but it was. I love yours. I also love bees. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a new one for me. It looks lovely and if the bumblebees like it, it must be good! I'll have to keep my eyes open for it ~ you know I like the color!
ReplyDeleteGail, I agree! I purchased two plants last year... I think one more should "do it!" ;-) Actually they're clumping so quickly that I may be able to divide next Spring!
ReplyDeleteMonica, I wonder if I could find some seeds for you for this Winter?
Kathleen, Indeed! :-)
I can't tell if yours is the same kind as those I have in my curb bed. These look happy and healthy in that spot.
ReplyDeleteThey are, Sue. They must appreciate a lot of shade. But I don't think that's necessarily their normal need. I'd have to look it up again.
ReplyDelete