‘Lambs’ Ears’
With the soft velvety silver foliage that gives them their name common Stachys byzantina or ‘Lambs’ Ears’ are a great ground cover. Varieties such as ‘Big Ears’ and ‘Cotton Ball’ provide variety for landscapers.
The common name of ‘Lambs Ears’ comes from the foliage of the plant which id soft and silky, just like Lambs Ears.
Flowers are not the main feature, the texture of the foliage is what makes Stachys byzantina such a popular plant and are available for sale online from participating nurseries.
In cold conditions the foliage of Stachys byzantina can die back, it will spring back to life as soon as the weather warms up.
Landscaping Uses For Lambs Ears Plant.
Excellent for mass planting and very popular in home gardens as well. Appreciated for the texture that they provide in gardens. Suited for revegetation projects as well as for replanting in established gardens.
The main landscaping attraction is the grey green soft velvety foliage that gives the plant its common name.
Used widely as a ground cover plant, as a low edging plant next to paths and at the front of the perennial border as well as for underplanting taller shrubs in containers.
Plant as a ground cover plant beneath taller trees, or in open areas in the garden.
Stachys byzantina Varieties
- ‘Big Ears’ – Deep pink flowers
- ‘Cotton Ball’ – Pink flowers fading to silvery white.
How To Grow Stachys byzantina – Basic Care
Stachys or ‘Lambs Ears’ are an easy to grow garden plant. Regarded as drought tolerant once established they are a ‘low care’ plant.
These plants do not like to be watered especially on the foliage, usually natural rainfall is enough. Try for a position with good air flow so that foliage dries out as quickly as possible.
Look for the dwarf form Stachys byzantina ‘Silky Fleece’ great as ground cover. Full sun and dry tolerant.
- Position – Full sun to part shade.
- Soil – Well drained humus rich.
- Foliage – Thick yet soft textured grey green in colour.
- Flowers – Purple in summer.
- Fertilise in spring with a slow release fertiliser.
- Frost free position.
Lambs Ear plants will spread by rhizomes and is an easy care plant once established. Flowering period is in mid summer to autumn. Flower colour will vary from pink to a deeper pink/purple.
Where To Buy
www.planterspatch.com.au
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au