Intro and History

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ay)
Genus: Stachys (STAK-iss)

Common Names: Lamb's Ears, Wooly Betony, Wooly Hedgenettle

Stachys comes from the Greek word stachus for “ear of grain” or “a spike”. This is in reference to the spike-like form of the flowers. Though the plant is widely grown, it originated in the Middle Eastern region, particularly southern Iran and northern Turkey, where it grows on rocky hills and the scrub area of the mountains.

There are about 300 species of Stachys, also known as betonies, hedge nettles and woundworts. One species, S. affinis, the Chinese artichoke, is grown for its edible tuber, and another S. floridana is considered a pernicious weed in southern lawns and gardens.

Most of the more commonly known species, such as S. officinalis, commonly known as Betony, plus S. palustris (Marsh Woundwort) and S. sylvatica, (Hedge Woundwort), are considered herbs or wildflowers.

One lesser known species, S. macrantha, commonly called Big Betony, is valued for its profuse flowers and blooms in late spring. When the plants are in flower, this species more closely resembles some of the salvia than the fuzzy-leaved Lamb’s Ears.

The most widely grown perennial in the genus is Stachys byzantina (S. lanata, S. olympica), more commonly known as Lamb’s Ears because the leaves have the fuzzy feel and shape of a lamb’s ear.

In Colonial times and earlier, Lamb’s Ear was used as a bandage because the fuzzy leaves are very absorbent. Today this perennial is used as an interesting addition to the home landscape.

Examples

Generally speaking, Lamb’s Ears all form dense, ground-hugging one foot wide rosettes of thick, wooly evergreen leaves around four to six inches long. The erect flower stems form a spike that is studded with purple tubular flowers at the top.

‘Silver Carpet’ does not produce flower spikes and is somewhat less vigorous than the species.

‘Countess Helene von Stein’ produces very few blooms. Due to the larger leaves than most of the species, growing up to 4 inches across and up to 10 inches long, it is commonly known as “Big Ears”. There are also harder to find lime green and variegated forms.

Another lesser known variety, ‘Primrose Heron’, has chartreuse leaves.

Special Features

The silvery leaves make a good contrast with dark green foliage and with leaves of different shapes, such as those of some sedums, and bearded iris. It is a good edging plant for paths and flower beds, and looks especially nice close to red and pink flowers. It combines well with late spring bulbs, especially pastel colors.

Lamb’s Ear makes a good ground cover in high, open shade. Be aware the plant can become invasive, especially in rich soil as they can self-seed profusely, besides spreading by roots. Also note Lamb’s Ears have a tendency to grow outward from the center, sometimes leaving a bare spot in the middle.

The plant is resistant to deer damage. It is tolerant of heat, but humidity can cause the leaves to “melt” away. Continued rain can smash the plants down and make them mushy, and frost can damage leaves, but recovery is strong.

Although the plant is most useful for the effect of the foliage, the flowers have merit. The flower stalks can be dried. Left on the plant, the flowers are very attractive to bees and the occasional butterfly.

Hardiness

Lamb’s Ears do best in zones 4-8. They can be grown in zones 9-10 but will require more shade, and high humidity creates problems. They are reliably hardy to –25°F.

Growth Habit

The plants form mats of leaves, growing about 12 inches tall and spreading to 18-24 inches. The flower spikes are about 18 inches tall.

Bloom Time

Blooms appear mostly in July and August, with some blooming throughout the summer, as the plants spread and new plants bloom.

Propagation

Lamb’s Ears spread rapidly by above ground stolons and self-sowing. Due to Lamb’s Ears tendency to grow from the center out, resulting in a dead spot in the middle, they need divided every two to four years.

They can also be propagated by seeds, either purchased or gathered from seedheads allowed to dry on the plants, then removed and the seeds collected and cleaned. Direct sow seeds outdoors in the fall or in spring after the last frost. If sowing indoors, stratify the seed and plant in trays under lights, a coldframe or unheated greenhouse.

Germination OR Cuttings

Cover seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite and/or compost. Germination should occur within two weeks at 70°F.

Transplanting

Plants should be divided in the spring. These divisions and transplants grown from seed should be planted one foot apart.

Soil

Lamb’s Ear grows best in well drained soil, preferably average to relatively infertile.

Irrigation

Water regularly, but do not over water as the plant rots in heavy, wet soil. Also, avoid getting water on the leaves, especially in the afternoon, since that may cause rot problems. Lamb’s Ear is drought tolerant.

Sunlight

Lamb’s Ears grow best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade, though the leaves may be less silvery. In hot and humid areas, partial afternoon shade helps prevent problems with foliage “melting.”

Care

This plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It needs well drained soil, and does best with good air circulation. Plants often die out in the center, at which time it can be divided and the outer sections replanted.

The lower foliage can be removed if it becomes tattered or brown late in the season, or sustains winter damage. Since the leaves often touch the ground, a mulch under the leaves is useful to keep them dry and prevent rotting problems.

It’s a matter of personal preference whether to remove any flower stalks, or leave them for the bees’ enjoyment.

Pests

Lamb’s Ears are relatively pest free. Slugs may cause problems if leaves are frequently damp.

Disease

There are no serious disease problems with Lamb’s Ear’s, although in hot and humid conditions powdery mildew or other foliar diseases can occur.

Additional Info

Leaves and spikes of Lamb’s Ears flowers can be dried as everlasting flowers. They can be used in some crafts, such as accents for dried wreaths.

References

About: Gardening, Lamb’s Ears
Accessed 2006-12

Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Bush-Brown, Louise and James (1996) America’s Garden Book. New York, NY. Macmillan.

Dave’s Garden, Lamb’s Ear Stachys byzantina
Accessed 2006-12

Fell, Carolyn & Derek (1995). Step-by-Step Sun Gardenign. Harrison, OH. Springhill Nurseries.

Halpin, Anne (1996) Horticulture Gardener’s Desk Reference. New York, NY. Macmillian.

Macunovich, Janet (1996) Caring for Perennials. Pownal, Vermont. Storey Communications, Inc.

Mountain Valley Growers, Stachys Lanata Lamb’s Ear
Accessed 2006-12

Reader’s Digest. (April 1983) Illustrated Guide to Gardening. Pleasantville, NY. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

Roth, Susan A. (1991) The Weekend Garden Guide Emmaus, PA. Rodale Press.

Southern Living. (1998) The Southern Living Garden Book. Birmingham, AL. Oxmoor House, Inc.