Lamb’s Ear

Botanical Name

:

Stachys byzantina

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring and early fall; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot or desert regions since excessive heat and dryness can scorch its leaves

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

Between 60°F and 70°F (16°C and 21°C)

Soil Type

:

Poor soil that is well-draining

Hardiness Zones

:

4–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds take about 30 days to germinate

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically ranging from around 6.0–6.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Avoid overwatering and only provide 1 inch of moisture a week; it doesn’t like soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Not necessary as it prefers poor soil; but applying a thin layer of compost each spring can encourage growth

Habit

:

Mounding and spreading

Propagation

:

Division, seeds

Final Plant Height

:

12–18 inches

Spread

:

12–36 inches

Flowers

:

Small, tubular, and purplish-pink in color

Attracts

:

Bees and butterflies

Uses

:

Ground cover and border plant in gardens. Infusions of dried leaves help with colds, gum and throat infections, and asthma. Leaves can be eaten as salads.

Companions

:

Sedum, yarrow, nepeta, salvia, ornamental onion, and woman’s mantle

Pruning

:

Trim the dying foliage in late fall

Toxicity

:

Not toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Rarely attacked by pests due to their hairy leaves but there can be cases of nematodes, thrips, and caterpillars

Diseases

:

Rot and leaf spots in summer (due to humidity); fungal leaf spots or powdery mildew if they get too wet

Fun Fact

:

Lamb’s ears get their name from their curved leaves, which are covered in a soft, white, fur-like coating

Additional Info

:

Keep the soil dry and thin the plants to prevent root death

Botanical Name

:

Stachys byzantina

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in spring and early fall; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily) in cooler climates; partial shade in hot or desert regions since excessive heat and dryness can scorch its leaves

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

Between 60°F and 70°F (16°C and 21°C)

Soil Type

:

Poor soil that is well-draining

Hardiness Zones

:

4–9 (USDA)

Germination

:

Seeds take about 30 days to germinate

P.H. Level

:

Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically ranging from around 6.0–6.5

Water/Irrigation

:

Avoid overwatering and only provide 1 inch of moisture a week; it doesn’t like soggy soil

Fertilization

:

Not necessary as it prefers poor soil; but applying a thin layer of compost each spring can encourage growth

Habit

:

Mounding and spreading

Propagation

:

Division, seeds

Final Plant Height

:

12–18 inches

Spread

:

12–36 inches

Flowers

:

Small, tubular, and purplish-pink in color

Attracts

:

Bees and butterflies

Uses

:

Ground cover and border plant in gardens. Infusions of dried leaves help with colds, gum and throat infections, and asthma. Leaves can be eaten as salads.

Companions

:

Sedum, yarrow, nepeta, salvia, ornamental onion, and woman’s mantle

Pruning

:

Trim the dying foliage in late fall

Toxicity

:

Not toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Rarely attacked by pests due to their hairy leaves but there can be cases of nematodes, thrips, and caterpillars

Diseases

:

Rot and leaf spots in summer (due to humidity); fungal leaf spots or powdery mildew if they get too wet

Fun Fact

:

Lamb’s ears get their name from their curved leaves, which are covered in a soft, white, fur-like coating

Additional Info

:

Keep the soil dry and thin the plants to prevent root death