Stachys byzantina
lamb's ear
A carpeting, evergreen perennial, with thick, soft, oblong-elliptic leaves and stems densely white-woolly. Basal leaves are to 10cm long, in rosettes, flowering stems erect to 50cm in height. Flowers are purplish or pink, sometimes appearing striped, arranged in many-flowered whorls in an interrupted spike in summer. Several selections with varying leaf and flower colour are available. A valuable foliage plant
Other common names
bear's earbunnies' ears
see moremouse ear
rabbit ear
woolly woundwort
cat's ear
lamb's tongue
lamb's wool
Synonyms
Stachys lanata Jacq.Stachys olympica
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | Purple | Green Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus to Iran
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Propagate by division or remove rooted sections in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove flowers to prolong the life of the plant
Pests
Slugs and caterpillars may be a problem
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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