lamb’s ear
Stachys byzantina
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size9 to 18 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Purplish-pink
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average soil of most types. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Its soft gray and silver leaves form a low, clumping mat, and it stays evergreen. Butterflies and bees visit the purplish-pink flowers.
Pairs well with Elijah Blue blue fescue, Yarrow, Lavender, and Ornamental onion.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Krym, and 1 more places. See all 5
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Krym, and Türkiye.