Stachys/Lamb's Ear

A tough silver a mat-forming evergreen.  The popular variety 'Helene von Stein' doesn't bloom but its foliage holds up better into late summer and fall.

It's native to dry spots in Southwest Asia.

 

Details

• Grown mainly for foliage, its emerging blooms are often removed altogether.
• Will spread easily to fill in large area.
• Full sun or light shade.

Care

• Drought-tolerant; I water new transplants only.
• For better-looking foliage, remove the flowers before they open.
• Also remove any rotted or bad-looking foliage.
• Do not prune for winter; wait til early spring to cut off winter-damaged foliage. 
• If desired, you can divide them in spring, and remove the old woody growth while you're at it.
• When watering, try not to wet the leaves.

Good Information in Print

• The Well Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is the best-selling book on how to make your perennials healthier and better-looking.
• Encyclopedia of Perennials by Graham Rice is exhaustive and an outstanding general resource on the subject.
• The Complete Flower Gardener by Cutler and Ellis is another source I consult regularly.

 

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