Stachys Lamb's Ear - Ontario Seed Company

Stachys byzantina

Ornamental, silvery, wooly foliage with unusual shaped leaves of 7.5-10cm (3-4") in length provide a nice accent in the garden. Also known as Hedge Nettle, Lamb's Tails, Lamb's Tongue, Woolly Betony, Woolly Woundwort. Very tiny, mauve & white flowers appear in early summer. A good pollinator forage plant. This plant is at its best when it can be sown between rockery stones or along a garden path to enjoy the interesting mat of felt textured leaves. Plants spread 30 to 45cm (12-18") across. The genus name Stachys is Greek, meaning spike or ear of grain - a reference to the shape of the inflorescence. Some gardeners have commented that lamb's ear is so adaptable, it likely could grow on the moon! Persists best in well drained soils. Hardy to Zone 4.

How to Grow

Start inside in a soil-less mix in mid March. Germinate at 20C (70F) for 10 to 20 days. Sow on surface. Stubborn seed may need to be exposed to light to germinate. Then grow on under lights at a slightly cooler temperature before hardening off and transplanting to a sunny site in the garden. Performs in hot dry conditions in full sun to partial shade. It is also very easy to direct sow this perennial in May and again in mid-August to the beginning of September. 

Perennial.

Approx. 200 seeds/pkt.