Lamb's ear Stachys byzantina

Water

Lamb's ears should be watered deeply once a week, providing enough water to soak the soil around the roots. In drier conditions, watering twice a week may be necessary, especially during the peak of summer. Ensure that the plant receives approximately one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. It's important not to overwater, as Lamb's ears prefer drier conditions and are drought-tolerant. In winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot, as the plant requires less moisture during this dormant period.

Light

Lamb's ears thrive in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours each day. The best spot for the plant would include some afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers to prevent the leaves from scorching. However, too much shade may lead to leggy growth and reduce the plant's overall vigor.

Temperature

Lamb's ears prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate conditions between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive slight dips below freezing but may be damaged by prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature range promotes healthy growth and preserves the soft, velvety texture of the foliage.

Pruning

Pruning Lamb's ears is primarily done to maintain the plant's appearance and remove spent flower spikes. Trim back the foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and improve air circulation. Deadheading, or removing the old flower stalks after blooming, can be done in summer to prevent self-seeding and to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lamb's Ear requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, between 6.5 and 7.5. The best soil mix is one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sharp sand or perlite for drainage.

Repotting

Lamb's Ear does not need to be repotted frequently, as it is typically grown as a perennial outdoor plant. Repot only when the plant outgrows its current container, which might be every 2-3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Lamb's Ear prefers a low to moderate humidity environment and is fairly drought tolerant. It thrives in dry air and does not require high humidity levels to grow well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lamb's Ear in a sunny spot with light, well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lamb's Ear in full sun with well-draining soil and space for spread.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb's Ear, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in warm soil during spring or early summer. The seedlings develop into a rosette of fuzzy, silver-grey leaves that form a ground-hugging mat. In its second year of growth, the plant produces a flowering stalk during early to mid-summer, bearing small, purplish-pink flowers favored by bees and other pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced which may fall to the ground to self-sow or be dispersed by wind and animals, allowing new plants to emerge in the vicinity. Larger Lamb's Ear plants may also propagate vegetatively by division of the root system, facilitating the spread of the plant within a garden. The plant is a perennial and will go dormant in winter, with its foliage dying back, but it will re-emerge from its root system again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Lambs' ears, known scientifically as Stachys byzantina, can be easily propagated through division, which is the most widely used method. The best time to propagate lambs' ears by division is in either early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig around the clump of lambs' ears, ensuring you get a good portion of the root system, then gently separate the clump into smaller sections with your hands or a sharp knife. Each section should have a decent amount of roots attached. After division, plant the new sections in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing and water them thoroughly. Divisions should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. This method of propagation is straightforward, cost-effective, and helps to rejuvenate older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous in the center.