Yes, lambs ear plant (Stachys byzantina) is a fast-spreading ground cover that grows in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. It is a perennial, evergreen shrub that forms a thick mat of fuzzy, gray-green foliage.
Lamb’s ear will spread by both its shallow underground runners, called stolons, and by self-seeding. Cutting off its flower tops before they go to seed will help contain its use in garden beds where it is not wanted.
In its preferred climate, lamb’s ear will spread to the point that its stolons may need to be dug out and removed to keep the plant from taking over its designated area. Lamb’s ear can be an effective ground cover for hillsides and banks when given the right environment and soil.
Is Lamb ear invasive?
Yes, Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina), also known as Woolly Betony, is considered an invasive species in many areas of the United States. It has been introduced to North America from Eurasia and is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
While admired for its large velvety silver-green leaves, it can spread aggressively in ideal environmental conditions, often crowding out more desirable native species. Lamb’s Ear is capable of forming dense mats, which dominate the ground cover layer, and can even smother, outcompete, reduce, or eliminate species of conservation interest, such as wildflowers or grasses, reducing the biological diversity of an area.
As it is an aggressive grower, it is best to be planted in a contained area, where it can be easily managed and kept in check, to prevent it from encroaching on other plant species.
How fast do Lambs Ear spread?
Lambs Ear is an attractive, low-growing plant prized for its velvety, silver-green foliage. While it looks beautiful in gardens and landscapes, it can also spread rapidly.
It is an extremely hardy and opportunistic plant, and it spreads rapidly in optimum growing conditions. It spreads by quickly sending out runners and establishing new plants. It can form large mounds of foliage well beyond its original growing spot in just a few months.
In lawns, it can form large tufts that suppress grass growth and make lawn maintenance a challenge. In the garden it can easily overrun smaller more delicate plants.
The speed at which Lambs Ear spreads can be influenced by its environment. If the soil is rich in nutrients, Lambs Ear will spread quickly, as will areas with ample rainfall. It also tends to spread more quickly in warmer climates.
Overall, Lambs Ear can spread very quickly, so it is important to take preventive measures, such as frequent maintenance and the removal of runners to keep it under control.
Where is the place to plant lambs ear?
Lambs ear is typically planted in locations that have full to partial sun. Depending on the size and type of lambs ear typically grown, the depth of the soil should be between 6-8 inches deep. Because lambs ear can spread widely, it is important to give it plenty of room to spread, as well as a good, well-drained soil.
In areas with colder climates, it is best to plant lambs ear in spring after the last frost, as opposed to fall. When planting lambs ear, it should be placed about 18-24 inches apart. Adequate spacing is important for the plant to grow and spread correctly.
Depending on the type of lambs ear, some may require fertilization and frequent watering, particularly during summers, when temperatures are high and the soil is dry.
Will lambs ear take over a garden?
No, lambs ear typically does not take over a garden. Lambs ear is a relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow perennials. It’s low-growing and non-invasive, spreading only through self-seeding. Lambs ear plants should be spaced 8–10 inches apart to make room for the full-grown plant, which may reach a height of 24–36 inches.
As long as the spacing is correct, lambs ear should not take over the garden. Some people may find that lambs ear spreads quickly in certain areas of the garden; if this is the case, regular thinning of the plants is recommended to keep it in check.
Do lambs ear plants come back every year?
Yes, lambs ear plants can come back every year. The plant is a hardy perennial and can survive through cold winters in USDA zones 3 to 8, although it may die back in some areas. When properly cared for, the plant can live for several years.
During the summer and fall months, the lambs ear will form rosettes of silvery-gray leaves and put out small, pink or white flowers. The leaves and flowers are soft, hairy, and velvety to the touch. However, in cold climates, mulching can help protect and insulate the plant from the cold so it can return in the spring.
During the winter and periods of dormancy, the leaves may die back to the ground, but the plant will return again in the spring with regular water and fertilizer.
What can I plant next to Lamb’s ears?
Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina) are a popular, easy-to-grow perennial known for its fuzzy, silver-gray foliage. This plant is drought-tolerant and quite undemanding, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Planting companion plants next to Lamb’s ears can add extra visual interest to your garden while helping to improve soil health. Some great plants to pair with Lamb’s ears include dwarf conifers, grasses, heathers, roses, asters, hellebores, bearded iris, daisies, daylilies, sedum, lavender, and campanulas.
When choosing companion plants for Lamb’s ears, consider plant types that have similar water, light, and temperature needs. Additionally, to help keep these plants healthy, be sure to give them enough space to prevent overcrowding.
With a little thoughtful planning and creativity, you’ll be able to create a vibrant and eye-catching garden with Lamb’s ears as the star.
How do I use lambs ear in my garden?
Lambs Ear (Stachys byzantine) is an easy-care perennial herb with velvety gray-green foliage and a soft, silvery appearance. It’s perfect for adding texture and color to beds, borders, and pathways. Here are some tips on how to use lambs ear in your garden:
1. Plant in a Sunny Location: Lambs ear prefers full sun and well-drained soil. If you’re planting in a shadier spot, you can still get good growth, but it may not be as lush.
2. Keep Soil Moist: Lambs ear requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
3. Fertilize in Moderation: Fertilize lambs ear with a balanced fertilizer once every four to six weeks.
4. Cut Back on Occasion: You can cut back lambs ear in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
5. Divide Plants to Propagate: You can propagate lambs ear by dividing the plants every few years. Dig up the entire clump and divide into 2-4 sections. Replant the divisions as soon as possible.
Lambs ear is an easy-to-care for and beautiful addition to your garden that can bring texture and color to your landscape. With the right care, lambs ear will thrive in your garden for many years to come!.
Do you cut down lamb’s ear in the fall?
No, you do not want to cut down lamb’s ear in the fall, as this is when it is most likely to flower. Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantine) is a mild, drought-resistant perennial that is easy to care for. It thrives in warm temperatures and full sun, and will bloom in late spring through early summer with beautiful, silvery leaves.
To keep lamb’s ear at its best, deadhead the flowers after they finish blooming and cut back the foliage in the late summer to encourage new growth and to prevent disease. This plant is generally considered a low maintenance plant and does not require pruning or cutting back.
Should I cut back lamb’s ear?
Lamb’s ear is an attractive, hardy perennial that adds soft texture to the garden, but if it isn’t managed well, it can start to overgrow its assigned space. If you’ve noticed that your lamb’s ear has outgrown its boundaries and is spilling out of its bed or border, it’s important to prune it back.
The best time to cut back the lamb’s ear is in early spring before the new shoots start to appear. Start by trimming off only the most aggressive stems, making slanting cuts just above an outward facing bud.
This will encourage the plant to bushier and denser foliage, as well as inhibit flowering. You also may want to cut back the whole clump to the ground in early spring, which will reduce the total size of the plant.
Make sure to leave some of the older central foliage in place because it can provide added protection against hot summer temperatures. Cutting back your lamb’s ear regularly will help keep it in check and keep the area looking neat and well-manicured.
When should Lambs Ear be planted?
Lambs Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that is often grown for its attractive, velvety silver foliage. Lambs Ear can be planted in the early spring or early fall in most areas.
It grows best in full sun, but will also tolerate light shade. If planting in the spring, start by preparing the planting area by working a Layer of compost into the soil to ensure adequate drainage and improve soil fertility.
Planting should occur after all danger of frost has passed in the area. When planting in the fall, wait until temperatures start to cool off. Once in the ground, Lambs Ear is tolerant of both drought and flooding, although it prefers well-drained soil.
Mulching is recommended to help regulate soil temperatures, conserve moisture, and prevent weeds. Once plants are established, they require very little maintenance and can be cut back in the late fall to remove any yellowing foliage.
Will lambs ear survive winter?
Yes, lambs ear (Stachys byzantine) is an evergreen perennial that is hardy in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. It is a low-care plant known for its velvety soft, silvery-green foliage.
It is well adapted for cold winter temperatures and should easily survive winter.
For best results, it is best to provide good soil drainage and a location in full sun to part shade. If the soil is poor, add organic matter such as composted manures or aged bark to the soil at planting time.
Inadequate water when the plant is actively growing could reduce its hardiness but overwatering can kill it.
In colder climates, mulching with a 2- to 3-inch layer of shredded leaves or straw immediately after the ground freezes protects the roots against freezing temperatures. It can also be helpful to pack snow around the plant’s base where evergreens are sensitive to winter sunscald and drying winds.
Lambs ear responds well to pruning and can be removed back to a few inches tall in the spring to promote fullness. Discolored and damaged leaves can also be removed at the same time. Lastly, it is important to water lambs ear during occasional dry periods in winter if temperatures are above freezing.
How many hours of sun does Lambs Ear need?
Lambs Ear typically prefers full sun, meaning they need at least 6-8 hours of sunshine every day. However, they will tolerate partial shade and can typically make do with 4-5 hours of sun each day. It is important to take into account the specific climate of your region as well when considering the sunlight needs of your Lambs Ear.
In climates with particularly hot summers, it is beneficial to provide a bit of afternoon shade. It is also helpful to make sure the plant is planted in a soil that drains well and has adequate air circulation, as this can help prevent sun-scald and other issues from too much direct sunlight.
Do lambs ears need to be cut back?
Yes, lambs ears do need to be cut back. This is because they are a perennial that blooms in the summer and will keep growing after the blooms are finished. As the foliage begins to die off during the fall, it is important to prune back the plant to help it remain vigorous and healthy.
When pruning, it is important to use sharp shears to cut the stems at an angle. Deadheading the flowers and removing any dead or diseased foliage is also important. This will help to keep lambs ears from becoming overcrowded and protect the health of the plant from potential diseases.
Be sure not to cut too far back as this will prevent the plant from being able to bloom the following season.
How much light do lambs ears need?
Lambs ears (Stachys byzantina) typically need full sun to partial shade, and they grow best with at least 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. They will tolerate shade, but if planted in too much shade, they may not produce as much foliage and their overall health will suffer.
The soil should be light and well-draining, and they should be kept evenly moist. As with most plants, too much water can cause root rot and other diseases, while too little can cause the leaves to become crispy.
Lambs ears thrive in a neutral soil pH of 6. 5 – 7. 5.