Skip to content

Volume Discounts Apply At Checkout

Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

About Your New Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

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.

Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:

Load video:

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.

youtube Load video:

Planting Information

youtube Load video:
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct

Elevate Your Garden

Follow Us On Instagram

@evergreentreedirect
Evergreen Trees Direct
Evergreen Trees Direct