Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' (Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears')
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' (Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears') |
| Common Name | Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' |
| Plant Type | Perennial ground cover |
| Height | 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) |
| Spread | 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) |
| Foliage | Soft, silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining, average soil |
| Watering | Drought-tolerant, prefers dry conditions |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Uses | Ground cover, borders, edging, rock gardens |
| Notable Feature | Exceptionally large, soft, silvery-grey foliage, deer-resistant |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' is adaptable to different light conditions.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining, average soil. These plants thrive in drier conditions.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
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Spacing: Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their mature spread.
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Watering: Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' is drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions. Avoid overwatering.
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Mulching: Minimal mulching is required, but it can help regulate soil temperature and moisture.
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Maintenance: Trim back spent flower spikes to encourage fresh growth and maintain the plant's shape.
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Fertilizing: Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' generally doesn't require heavy fertilization. A light, balanced fertilizer in spring may suffice.
Lamb's Ear 'Big Ears' (Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears') is a lovely perennial ground cover celebrated for its exceptionally large, soft, silvery-grey, fuzzy leaves. The large leaves give this variety its unique name, and they create a beautiful textural element in the garden. Whether used as a ground cover, in borders, as edging, or in rock gardens, this plant adds visual interest. It's also deer-resistant and thrives in dry, well-drained conditions.