Lamb's Ears Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
ABOUT
The 'Big Ears' variety of Lamb's Ear is an ornamental plant cherished for its unique and captivating foliage. Each leaf is notable for its size, being particularly large and resembling an over-sized ear, which is where the playful name 'Big Ears' derives. The leaves have a soft, velvety texture that is inviting to the touch, often likened to the fur of a rabbit or the softness of a lamb's actual ears. They grow in a rosette pattern, hugging the ground in a dense mat that spreads outwards. The color of the leaves is a striking silver-gray or silvery-green, providing a splendid visual contrast when placed among plants with darker green foliage. The plant produces flower spikes that rise above the foliage, bearing purplish-pink flowers which add height and a touch of color to the overall appearance. These flower stalks look somewhat incongruous against the plush carpet of leaves, bringing an element of surprise to its form. Throughout the growing seasons, the appearance of Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' changes slightly. In spring and summer, it is lush and vibrant, while in the fall, the plant may look a bit more subdued as it prepares for winter. However, the leaves generally remain in place, offering year-round interest. This particular variety is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its tactile qualities, making it a favored choice for gardens where sensory experience is important.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Lamb's Ear, Woolly Hedgenettle, Big Ears Lamb's Ear, Fuzzy Wuzzy.
Common names
Stachys byzantina, Stachys lanata, Stachys olympica.
ToxicityTo humans
Lamb's ear is generally considered non-toxic to humans and does not typically pose a threat if touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Lamb's ear is also generally recognized as non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, it is not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences. However, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some cases.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver-green
Flower color
Purple-pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Turkey Iran
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Lamb's Ear is known for its high tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It has minimal maintenance needs, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer less intensive care practices.
- Erosion Control: The dense foliage and mat-forming habit of Lamb's Ear can help prevent soil erosion in the garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: Lamb's Ear is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Ground Cover: With its spreading nature, it serves as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's unique silver-green foliage and texture add visual interest and contrast in garden designs.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Lamb's Ear is generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which is an advantage in areas where these animals are prevalent.
- Adaptable: It is adaptable to a range of conditions including poor soils, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Lamb's Ear produces small, purple-pink flowers in the summer that add seasonal variety and interest to the garden.
- Edging Plant: Its compact and low-growing nature makes it ideal for borders and edging along pathways or flower beds.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears', commonly known as Lamb's Ear, has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antibacterial: The plant is believed to have antibacterial properties, which might help in preventing or treating infections.
- Wound healing: Historically, Lamb's Ear leaves were applied to wounds to aid in healing and reduce the risk of infection due to its possible antiseptic qualities.
- Hemostatic: It was also used for its hemostatic properties, which could help to stop bleeding.
- Soothing agent: Lamb's Ear has been used for its soft leaves to soothe and reduce skin irritations.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lamb's ear can be used as a natural bandage due to its soft and absorbent leaves. They can be applied to wounds to help in cleaning and as a gentle barrier.
- The fuzzy leaves of lamb's ear can serve as a mouse deterrent in the garden because many rodents dislike the texture.
- In the garden, lamb's ear's silver foliage can be used for contrast with other plants, enhancing the overall aesthetics.
- The plant's leaves can be used in crafts, such as natural wreaths or as decoration in floral arrangements.
- Lamb's ear can be used as a living mulch, as it forms dense clumps that can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- The textured leaves can serve as an educational tool in sensory gardens, especially beneficial for children to experience different plant feels.
- The woolly leaves are sometimes used in compost piles to add a layer that can retain moisture and create air pockets.
- Lamb's ear foliage can be used as a soft padding material in the bottoms of planters or hanging baskets for root comfort.
- Dried lamb's ear leaves have been incorporated into potpourris for adding texture and visual interest.
- Lamb's ear is sometimes planted around beehives as it is known to attract bees and can contribute to the health of the hive ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLamb's Ear is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLamb's Ear is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Due to its dense and soft foliage, Lamb's Ears are often associated with shelter and safeguarding, symbolizing a protective barrier or comfort.
- Healing: Historically, Lamb's Ears were used as a dressing for wounds because of their antibacterial properties, making them a symbol of healing and recovery.
- Softness: The velvety texture of Lamb's Ears leaves can symbolize kindness, gentleness, and a tender touch in human relationships.
- Peace: With its soft and plush foliage resembling a peaceful lamb, the plant can denote tranquility and calmness in a person's life or environment.
WaterLamb's Ear should be watered deeply but infrequently, as it prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet. It is best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be once a week during hot, dry periods and less often during cooler, wetter seasons. An approximate amount would be 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants each time you water, but this can vary depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. Make sure to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. Always check the soil moisture level before adding water to ensure not to overwater.
LightLamb's Ear thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in an area where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. A spot with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, to prevent the leaves from scorching.
TemperatureLamb's Ear is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but does best in areas that do not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and generally prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of cold down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but needs protection from extreme cold.
PruningPrune Lamb's Ear to remove faded flowers or damaged leaves, which encourages new growth and maintains a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done in early spring or after flowering. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flower stalks, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage more robust foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLamb's Ear requires well-drained soil with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline. A mix of garden soil, sand, and compost or aged manure will support its growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
RepottingLamb's Ear does not typically require frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container or the soil has become compacted or exhausted, generally every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingLamb's Ear prefers a dry climate and does not need high humidity. It is quite tolerant of low-humidity conditions typical of most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, low humidity, and well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12-18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleStachys byzantina 'Big Ears', commonly known as Lamb's Ear, starts its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions typically in the spring. The seedlings develop into a rosette of fuzzy, silvery-green foliage, the characteristic large leaves that give the 'Big Ears' its name. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it continues to grow and spread by producing more leaf rosettes and can also propagate vegetatively through its rhizomes. During late spring to early summer, Lamb's Ear produces tall flower spikes with small, purplish-pink flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant may die back in colder climates during the winter, but is perennial and will regrow from its root system when conditions become favorable in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears', commonly known as Lamb's Ear, is typically propagated during the spring or early summer to take advantage of the plant's active growth period. The most popular method of propagation for Lamb's Ear is through division. To propagate by division, carefully lift a mature plant from the ground with a garden fork or spade, ensuring you preserve as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each piece has a portion of the root system attached. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. This straightforward process is effective because it maintains the characteristics of the parent plant and prompts quick establishment in the garden.
