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Herbaceous Perennial

Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lamb's ear 'Big Ears'

A mat-forming herbaceous perennial with soft, grey-green, slightly hairy foliage which is larger than other varieties. Upright stems of small pink to purple flowers appear from June through to September. An excellent choice as ground cover to suppress weeds and drought-tolerant and a tactile choice for a sensory garden

Synonyms
Stachys byzantina 'Countess Helen von Stein'
Stachys byzantina large-leaved

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver Pink Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Stachys can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with paired leaves which are sometimes unpleasantly aromatic, and erect spikes or racemes of whorled, 2-lipped flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division or remove rooted sections in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required. Remove flowers to prolong the life of the plant

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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