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Herbaceous Perennial

Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lamb's ear 'Silver Carpet'

A vigorous evergreen carpeting perennial to 20cm tall, grown for its dense mat of grey-white elliptic leaves to 10cm long which forms a striking ground cover

Synonyms
Stachys lanata 'Silver Queen'
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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 Grey Silver White
Summer Grey Silver White
Autumn Grey Silver White
Winter Grey Silver White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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 well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun with protection from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division or remove rooted sections in spring as growth begins

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

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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