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Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

Evergreen · Full Sun / Part Shade

Mature size: 20cm–30cm (foliage) high × 45cm–60cm wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun / Part Shade
  • Mature height20cm–30cm (foliage)
  • Mature width45cm–60cm
  • Frost Hardy
  • Good in pots
  • Flowers

Most loved for its incredibly soft, silvery-white woolly foliage that feels like lamb's ears – a tactile, textural groundcover that brings silver contrast and an invitation to touch into the garden.

Regular price $20.00
Sale price $20.00 Regular price
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Pot size
Available batches
Size: 14cm
Current height guide
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Pot size
14cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
14cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$20.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Stachys byzantina

    Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb's Ears, is a low-growing spreading perennial valued for its remarkably soft, silvery-white woolly foliage that has the texture of lamb's ears. The thick, fuzzy oval leaves form low dense mats of silver, creating one of the most distinctive textural foliage effects in the garden.

    It performs best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil and is highly drought tolerant once established. Stachys byzantina spreads gently to form silver mats, suiting cottage gardens, sensory gardens, Mediterranean borders and as silver foliage contrast in mixed plantings. Tall pink-purple flower spikes appear through late spring and summer, though many gardeners remove them to keep the focus on the unique foliage.

    As a foliage groundcover in cottage, Mediterranean, sensory and contemporary gardens, in low borders, mass plantings and along pathways where the soft texture invites touch, Stachys byzantina brings silvery contrast, drought tolerance and a tactile quality children and visitors gravitate toward.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    How tall does Stachys byzantina grow?

    Stachys byzantina foliage forms low mats around 20 to 30 centimetres tall and 45 to 60 centimetres wide, spreading gently to form dense silver groundcover. Flower spikes can reach 50 to 75 centimetres when in bloom.

    When does Stachys byzantina flower?

    Stachys byzantina produces tall pink-purple flower spikes through late spring and summer, rising well above the silver foliage. Some gardeners remove the flower spikes as they emerge to maintain a tidy carpet of foliage and concentrate the plant's energy into leaf growth.

    Where should I plant Stachys byzantina?

    Stachys byzantina grows best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil. It suits cottage borders, Mediterranean gardens, sensory plantings, pathway edges and silver foliage features. Avoid humid, poorly drained or deeply shaded positions where the woolly leaves can rot.

    Is Stachys byzantina drought tolerant?

    Yes. Once established, Stachys byzantina is highly drought tolerant thanks to its silvery hairs that reflect heat and reduce water loss. Through establishment it benefits from light, regular watering, then transitions to occasional watering through dry periods.

    Is Stachys byzantina frost tolerant?

    Yes. Stachys byzantina is highly frost hardy, handling moderate to heavy frost once established. The silver foliage often takes on a slightly bronzed tinge in colder periods and recovers fully through spring.

    Can Stachys byzantina be grown in a pot?

    Yes. Stachys byzantina performs well in pots, raised planters and trough plantings, particularly where the silver foliage can spill over edges. Use a free-draining mix, water moderately and ensure the woolly leaves do not sit on wet soil.

    How do I maintain Stachys byzantina?

    Maintain Stachys byzantina by removing flower spikes as they fade, clipping back any rotted or damaged foliage in autumn, and lifting and dividing clumps every two to three years to refresh the planting. Avoid overhead watering, which can mat down the soft foliage.

    Key growing information
    Mature height20cm to 30cm (foliage)
    Mature width45cm to 60cm
    PositionFull Sun / Part Shade
    Growth per year15cm to 25cm spread per year
    FrostFrost Hardy
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormSpreading · Compact
    UsesGroundcovers · Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots · Underplanting
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Spreading
    • Compact
    Use
    • Groundcovers
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting
    Mature height
    20cm to 30cm (foliage)
    Mature width
    45cm to 60cm

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm spread per year.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears in Different Soil

    Stachys byzantina performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Groundcovers
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears works in an:

    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

    Is Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 20cm to 30cm (foliage)

    Mature Width: 45cm to 60cm

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm spread per year.

    Growth Rate of Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is expected to grow 15cm to 25cm spread per year.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

    Is Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears frost tolerant?

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears Flower?

    Stachys byzantina produces tall pink-purple flower spikes through late spring and summer, rising well above the silvery foliage. Many gardeners remove the spikes as they emerge to maintain a clean carpet of silver leaves and direct the plant's energy into foliage growth.

    Does Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    Flower Colour:

    Pink

    Is Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears is Native to Native to Turkey, Armenia and Iran, where Stachys byzantina grows naturally on dry rocky hillsides and open scrubland in the Caucasus region.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears ?

    Stachys byzantina attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators when in flower through late spring and summer. The dense silver foliage also provides habitat value for ground-dwelling beneficial insects in cottage and Mediterranean gardens.

    How much Sunlight does Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears need?

    Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Stachys byzantina performs best in free-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. It tolerates poorer soils provided drainage remains excellent. Heavy clay or persistently wet conditions should be avoided, as waterlogged soil quickly leads to crown rot and matted foliage. Keep soil lightly moist during establishment, then allow the soil to dry between watering as the plant matures.

    Is Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears Drought Tolerant?

    Is Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant Stachys byzantina benefits from light, regular watering to establish strong roots. Once established it shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry summers with occasional watering, maintaining its silvery woolly groundcover form.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Stachys byzantina grow?

    Stachys byzantina foliage forms low mats around 20 to 30 centimetres tall and 45 to 60 centimetres wide, spreading gently to form dense silver groundcover. Flower spikes can reach 50 to 75 centimetres when in bloom.

    Why are the leaves so soft?

    The leaves of Stachys byzantina are covered in dense silvery hairs that give them a velvety, woolly texture similar to lamb's ears, which is the source of the common name. The hairs are an adaptation to reduce water loss in dry conditions, making the plant naturally drought tolerant.

    When does Stachys byzantina flower?

    Stachys byzantina produces tall pink-purple flower spikes through late spring and summer, rising well above the silver foliage. Some gardeners remove the flower spikes as they emerge to maintain a tidy carpet of foliage and concentrate the plant's energy into leaf growth.

    Where should I plant Stachys byzantina?

    Stachys byzantina grows best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil. It suits cottage borders, Mediterranean gardens, sensory plantings, pathway edges and silver foliage features. Avoid humid, poorly drained or deeply shaded positions where the woolly leaves can rot.

    Is Stachys byzantina drought tolerant?

    Yes. Once established, Stachys byzantina is highly drought tolerant thanks to its silvery hairs that reflect heat and reduce water loss. Through establishment it benefits from light, regular watering, then transitions to occasional watering through dry periods.

    Is Stachys byzantina frost tolerant?

    Yes. Stachys byzantina is highly frost hardy, handling moderate to heavy frost once established. The silver foliage often takes on a slightly bronzed tinge in colder periods and recovers fully through spring.

    Can Stachys byzantina be grown in a pot?

    Yes. Stachys byzantina performs well in pots, raised planters and trough plantings, particularly where the silver foliage can spill over edges. Use a free-draining mix, water moderately and ensure the woolly leaves do not sit on wet soil.

    How do I maintain Stachys byzantina?

    Maintain Stachys byzantina by removing flower spikes as they fade, clipping back any rotted or damaged foliage in autumn, and lifting and dividing clumps every two to three years to refresh the planting. Avoid overhead watering, which can mat down the soft foliage.

    Compare sizes side by side

    14cm

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Stachys byzantina is loved for its incredibly soft, silvery-white woolly foliage that feels like lamb's ears – a tactile, textural groundcover that brings silver contrast and an invitation to touch into the garden.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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