Photo of Stachys byzantina buds, foliage by Magnus Manske

Photo by Magnus Manske

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Stachys byzantina

Also Known As

  • Lamb's Ear

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

  • H: 10"-18"
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 4a-8b

More Options

Stachys byzantina plant details

Stachys byzantina is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial groundcover with blue foliage. In summer magenta flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Stachys byzantina

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 10 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Stachys byzantina

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An excellent plant for the front of the sunny border or at the base of steps with really soft low growing silvery foliage and vertical flower spikes with tiny purple flowers along the stem. Grown for the foliage.
An excellent groundcover or border for a dry sunny area, its large, woolly, silvery-grey leaves form dense 1' mats; bees love the silver spikes of magenta flowers, and kids love the velvety-soft leaves! S/M-D
A clumping, evergreen, perennial ground cover. The dense clumps of intensely silver leaves can reach over one metre across in time. An ideal edging for lawns or paths. Prefers a well drained heavy soil and is tolerant of dry spells, great for inland areas. The insignificant flowers can be removed if preferred. DO NOT MULCH too close around this plant as it can cuase rot.

By: Zephs

Low-growing perennial to 18" with soft, woolly gray leaves distinctly shaped like a lamb's ear. Flower stalks develop in early summer and carry many whorls of small, mauve-pink flowers. Cut stalks back as flowers fade. Established plants tolerate heat and drought but are better with some summer water. Useful as edging, border plantings, and groundcover under high branching oaks. The leaves turn to mush in cold weather and humid, wet conditions. Hardy to below 0F. Caucasus Mountains to Iran.
Fuzzy gray green leaves. Lamb's Ears.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Gardening facts about Stachys byzantina plant

How to Grow Stachys byzantina

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Stachys for your garden

aka Lamb's Ear

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 4"-10"

Width: 12"-36"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Stachys byzantina 'Silky Fleece' foliage by Carl Lewis
View Plant

aka Stachys grandiflora, Stachys macrantha, Stachys spicata, Big Betony

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Betonica macrantha flower, foliage, form by FredrikLähnn
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aka Coast Hedge Nettle, Coastal Hedgenettle

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 3'-8'

Width: 2'-8'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - high
Photo of Stachys chamissonis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Stachys 'Hidalgo', Stachys albotomentosa 'Hidalgo', Hidalgo Stachys, SEVEN UP SAGE

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 6"-18"

Width: 15"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Stachys albotomentosa flower by Avant Gardens
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aka Stachys byzantina 'Helen von Stein', Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein', Big Ears Stachys, Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear, Lamb's Ears

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' foliage by Friends School Plant Sale by Pat T
View Plant

More Options

+24 more Stachys
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