Lamb's ear
Stachys byzantina · Lamiaceae
📷 Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lamb's ear: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Stachys byzantina
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery-grey and velvety
- Flowering
- June to August, pink or purple flowers
- Mature size
- 60 cm tall, 45 cm wide
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 °C)
- Origin
- Caucasus and Asia Minor
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Stachys byzantina needs above all well-draining soil and air circulation—opposite to many plants. In heavy soil or with overwatering, it rots at the roots.
The common mistake
Watering regularly 'because it's summer': its white-gray foliage is adapted to drought.
The pro's trick
Cut back hard after flowering in August to bring back dense, fresh foliage through autumn and winter.
Care
Light exposure
Byzantine Stachys thrives in direct sunlight, ideally at least 6 hours per day. It tolerates light partial shade, but develops denser, more velvety foliage in full sun. Avoid shaded areas where it will become leggy.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer), allowing the soil to dry between waterings. In winter, reduce watering as the plant fears excess moisture and root rot. Prefer watering at the base rather than on the velvety foliage.
Soil
Plant Byzantine Stachys in well-draining, slightly dry, poor to average soil. It adapts to chalky, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Adding sand or gravel at planting improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
Pruning
Cut back the plant in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the clump and encourage compact growth. Remove spent flowers to promote a second flush of growth. Light pruning after flowering maintains an elegant shape.
Fertilizing
A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Too much fertilizer makes the plant too vigorous and less hardy. Favor mulch compost rather than repeated fertilizer applications.
Diseases and pests
Byzantine Stachys is very robust. The main risks are root rot in poorly drained soil and powdery mildew in warm, humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these problems. It is rarely affected by pests.
Did you know?
Byzantine Stachys earns the nickname "Lamb's Ear" in English because of its velvety, silvery-grey leaves that are extremely soft to the touch. This characteristic makes it a prized plant in sensory gardens and tactile plantings for children. Its ornamental use dates back at least to Mediterranean gardens of the Middle Ages, where it was cultivated for its aesthetic properties and timeless appeal.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- SageSalvia officinalis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.