Description
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear)
Introduction
Lamb’s Ear is beloved for its soft, silvery foliage. It adds texture and light to the garden. In other words, it’s as tactile as it is beautiful.
Key Features
- Foliage: Thick, velvety leaves covered in fine hairs
- Color: Silver-gray with hints of green
- Flowers: Small, tubular, pale purple blooms on tall spikes
- Size: 6–12 inches tall; 12–24 inches spread
- Season of Interest: Spring through summer, with foliage interest year-round in mild climates
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to light shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps leaves fresh.
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates poor soil better than wet soil.
- pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–7.5).
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid soggy roots.
Planting & Care
- Site Selection
- Choose a sunny spot with good air circulation.
- Space plants 12–18 inches apart to let foliage spread.
- Planting
- Spring or early fall is best.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Backfill with native soil; water in well.
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently.
- Let soil dry between waterings.
- Fertilizing
- Light feeding in spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Too much fertilizer can reduce leaf hairiness.
Propagation
- Division: Every 2–3 years in spring.
- Cuttings: Softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Seeds: Readily self-sows; collect seedheads if you wish to control spread.
Landscape Uses
- Borders & Edging: Silvery leaves contrast with darker plants.
- Groundcover: Dense mats suppress weeds.
- Containers: Textural filler at front of pots.
- Sensory Gardens: Invites touch—children and adults alike love the soft leaves.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Remove flower spikes after bloom to encourage tidy growth.
- Division: Thins out crowded clumps; revitalizes foliage.
- Winter Care: In colder zones, mulch lightly to protect crowns.
Pests & Problems
- Slugs & Snails: Rare, but mulch can harbor them; use coarse grit.
- Crown Rot: From excessive moisture; improve drainage to prevent.
- Leaf Spot: Occasionally in humid conditions; remove affected leaves.
Lamb’s Ear is simple to grow yet striking in appearance. Instead of complex care, focus on good drainage and bright light. But most of all, enjoy the soft, silvery glow it brings to your garden.
