Lambs Ear

Plant name: Lamb’s Ear

Scientific name: Stachys byzantina

Plant description:
Lamb’s Ear is a low-growing perennial prized for its soft, silvery foliage and spreading groundcover habit. It forms dense mats of woolly leaves that create a uniform, textured surface in borders and garden edges. This plant is valued for its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and ability to contrast effectively with green-leaved perennials and flowering plants.

Flower description:
In late spring to early summer, upright spikes of small lavender to pale purple flowers rise above the foliage. Blooms add vertical interest but are secondary to the foliage display. Some gardeners remove flower spikes to maintain a tighter, foliage-focused appearance.

Leaf description:
Leaves are thick, oval to oblong, and densely covered with fine silver hairs that give a soft, velvety texture. The foliage maintains a consistent silvery-gray color throughout the growing season and provides year-round interest in milder climates.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in milder climates; semi-evergreen to deciduous in colder regions

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 4–9

Mature height and width:
Foliage typically reaches 6–12 inches tall and spreads 12–24 inches wide. Flower spikes can extend to 18–24 inches tall.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for groundcover, border edging, rock gardens, and xeriscape plantings. Effective for softening hardscape edges and filling sunny slopes. Its tactile foliage makes it popular in sensory gardens and along walkways.

Native range:
Native to parts of Turkey, Armenia, and Iran

Sun exposure:
Full sun is ideal for dense growth and strong leaf color. Tolerates light shade but may become looser in habit with reduced sunlight.

Water requirements:
Low to moderate water needs. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions well. Requires well-drained soil and does not perform well in consistently wet or humid conditions.

Pests and problems:
Generally resistant to deer and rabbits. Root rot and foliar fungal issues may occur in poorly drained soils or humid environments. Good airflow and proper spacing help maintain plant health.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs well in bright sun when soil drainage is excellent. In hot, humid climates, foliage may thin or decline if drainage and airflow are inadequate.

Cold tolerance:                                                                                                                       Hardy to USDA Zone 4. Foliage may decline in severe winter conditions but typically regrows from the crown in spring.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil with lean to moderate fertility to prevent excessive softness in growth. Avoid heavy mulching directly over the crown, as trapped moisture can cause rot. Divide clumps periodically to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. Remove spent flower spikes or damaged leaves to keep the planting tidy and encourage fresh foliage growth.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.