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Family: Betony
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Lambs Ears
Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb’s Ear, is a perennial favorite in many gardens due to its unique foliage and texture. This plant is celebrated for its soft, velvety leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb, hence the name. Lamb’s Ear is primarily grown for its foliage, which adds a silver-green hue and an interesting tactile element to garden settings.
This low-growing plant typically reaches a height of about 12-18 inches with a similar spread, forming dense clumps of foliage. Lamb’s Ear is ideal for ground cover, borders, and sensory gardens due to its distinctive feel. It’s an excellent choice for adding contrast and texture to various garden designs. The plant also produces small, spike-like purple flowers in the summer, although they are often removed to keep the focus on the foliage.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Lamb’s Ear prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It’s a low-maintenance plant, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels. The plant’s ability to spread and its adaptability to different conditions make it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
Hardiness Zone: 2b-4a
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Dry to average
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Average Height (feet): 2
Average Spread (feet): 1.5
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Mounded
Flower Color: Pink
Bloom Season: In early summer
Foliage Color: Black
Foliage Shape: Oval
Lamb’s Ear is perfect for softening hard edges in landscaping and providing a touch of whimsy. Its unique foliage can be used to create interesting contrasts with other plants in garden beds and borders. Plant it in groups for a stunning, textured ground cover or use it to edge pathways and garden borders.
Incorporate Lamb’s Ear into rock gardens or xeriscaped areas. Its tolerance for poor soil and drought conditions makes it a valuable addition to these landscapes. Lamb’s Ear is also effective in sensory gardens, where its soft leaves can be enjoyed for their unique texture.
Due to its low-growing habit, Lamb’s Ear can be used as a foreground plant in larger garden compositions. It pairs beautifully with plants that have darker foliage or different textures, creating a diverse and layered look in garden designs.
In cottage gardens, Lamb's Ear adds a charming and rustic feel. Its soft texture and silver-green color complement the informal, abundant style of these gardens.
For contemporary gardens, Lamb's Ear brings a touch of natural softness. Its unique foliage can add interest to the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of modern landscaping.
Lamb's Ear is a great addition to children's gardens due to its tactile nature. The soft leaves are appealing for sensory exploration and can encourage young gardeners' interest in nature.
Use Lamb’s Ear in dry, sunny spots where its drought tolerance can be an asset. Plant it along dry streambeds or in gravel gardens for a touch of greenery. Pair it with other drought-tolerant perennials for a low-maintenance, water-wise garden.
In spring, Lamb's Ear starts to produce new growth, with its fuzzy leaves quickly covering the ground.
During the summer, if allowed to flower, Lamb's Ear produces small, purplish-pink flowers that rise above the foliage.
In the fall, the plant maintains its appearance, with the foliage sometimes taking on a slightly more muted tone.
In winter, Lamb's Ear may remain evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round interest in the garden. In colder regions, the foliage may die back but typically regrows in the spring.
Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'
Salvia 'May Night'
Hosta 'Patriot'
Stachys byzantina should be planted in an area with full sun to partial shade. It excels in well-drained locations and can be used effectively in rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the most vigorous growth and best foliage color, but it can tolerate light shade.
Lamb's Ear thrives in well-drained soil and is quite adaptable to various soil types. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH.
Space plants about 12-18 inches apart. This allows room for growth and helps prevent the center of the plant from dying out.
The best time to plant Stachys byzantina is in the spring or early fall, allowing the plant to establish itself before extreme weather conditions.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, and water well. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, Lamb’s Ear is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Fertilization is not typically necessary. Lamb’s Ear grows well in moderately fertile soil without the need for additional feeding.
Trim back the flowering stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage as needed.
In spring, clean up any winter debris and dead foliage to encourage new growth.
Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells and remove faded flower spikes if present.
Cut back the foliage to tidy up the plant if necessary and prepare it for winter.
Lamb's Ear is relatively hardy, but in colder climates, a layer of mulch can provide extra protection during the winter months.
Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'
Yes, Lamb’s Ear is generally deer resistant due to its fuzzy leaves, which are not appealing to deer.
Absolutely, Lamb’s Ear can thrive in containers, adding unique texture and interest to patios and balconies.
Lamb’s Ear has a moderate growth rate and will spread to fill in an area over a few growing seasons, making it an excellent ground cover option.
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