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Herbaceous Perennial

Stachys byzantina 'Primrose Heron'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lamb's ear 'Primrose Heron'

A mat-forming perennial with rosettes of pointed, oval, densely woolly, yellowish-grey leaves to 10cm long. In summer it produces erect, woolly flower spikes to 40cm tall, these are studded with pinky-purple flowers. A good tactile plant for a sensory garden

Synonyms
Stachys olympica 'Primrose Heron'
Stachys byzantina gold-leaved
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Yellow
Summer Pink Purple Grey Silver Yellow
Autumn Grey Silver Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi 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 well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun; plants are reasonably drought-resistant once established

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Trim back spent flower stems to maintain shape

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildew

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