Stachys byzantina is a dense gray woolly perennial ground cover, which earns it the common name “lamb’s ear”. ‘Helene Von Stein’ is the single best cultivar, displaying larger leaves, and is more heat and humidity tolerant. Sometimes listed as ‘Big Ears’, it rarely produces flowers which may tarnish its lovely silvery gray foliage appearance.

Lamb’s ear grows approximately 12-18 inches tall and wide. High humidity, long exposure to moisture on the foliage, and poor soil drainage all lead to its decline and ultimate death. Do not irrigate lamb’s ear overhead.

Lamb’s ear grows in any average well-drained soil. After a short 6 month establishment period, it exhibits exceptional drought tolerance. It grows best in full sun in USDA zones 4-6 and under light afternoon shade further south. Leaves are evergreen in areas with mild winters, but will deteriorate under harsh winters. Excessive shade may invite foliar disease problems.

Common lamb’s ear spreads aggressively by runners. Erect, small-leaved spikelets of small purplish flowers appear from late spring thru the summer, rising several inches above the foliage. Gardeners may choose to remove the floral shoots to tidy up this ground cover or switch over to grow ‘Helene Von Stein’.

Lamb’s ears is a great choice in the front of a flower border or in a rock garden.

Stachys 'Helene Von Stein'