Stachys minima

Essentially a ground-hugging 'Hummelo', this minimalist betony makes a tight, slowly spreading mat of lustrous, crinkled, near-evergreen leaves.  Abbreviated spikes of bright lilac-pink flowers arise in late spring and continue well into summer if plants are deadheaded (which also prevents self-sowing).  Stachys minima is the horticultural moniker of this species, which is known to botanists as Stachys spathulata -- a reference to the spatula-shaped leaves.

Full sun to light shade; humus-rich soil; 6"x12"; late spring to late summer; Zone 5

Propagated from divisions; deep 3.5-inch pots

Photo: cultivar413