Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.