Species lamb's ear
purple flowers with gray-green foliage and stems

lamb's ear

Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll'

Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll') is an evergreen perennial with soft, fuzzy, grey-green or silver foliage. Its name comes from its furry texture which is similar to a lamb's ear. It produces small, pink flowers in mid to late summer. Its long-blooming blooms make it an attractive addition to any garden. This easy to care for plant does best in partial or full sun and is drought tolerant. It's great for rock gardens, containers, and ground covers. Its low maintenance, soft texture, and versatile uses make this a popular choice for gardeners.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll') should be watered when the soil starts to feel slightly dry to the touch. A deep, thorough watering once or twice a week is typically sufficient. Water enough to moisten the soil to a depth of about 5 inches (12 cm). Avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot and leaf mildew. In periods of extended dry spells, when rain doesn’t arrive to provide extra moisture, it may be necessary to water 3 times a week. Mulch generously around the plant to help keep the soil moist.

sunlight

Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll') should be provided with plenty of sunlight in order to maintain its optimal growth and flowering capabilities. This species prefers full or partial sun, so it should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It can also tolerate shade for short periods of time, however this will create sparser growth. This plant should receive the most sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm for best results.

pruning

For pruning Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll'), trimming to shape should occur in early spring, just before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged foliage or woody stems, avoiding the healthy growth near the base of the plant. If the plant becomes over grown, it can be cut back by about 1-third of its total height. This will help to renew its foliage and should be done every 2 to 3 years. You can also prune off individual flowers anytime during the summer. This will not only keep the flowers looking fresh but also encourage more blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map