Stachys byzantina
herbWooly lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) is grown above all for its leaves: thick, soft, silvery, and densely felted with woolly white hairs that are irresistible to touch, forming a spreading mat with occasional spikes of small pink-purple flowers. A tough, drought-loving perennial in the mint family, it is a favorite edging and groundcover plant, and an old cottage plant whose soft, absorbent leaves earned it the name woundwort. It loves heat, sun, and dry, lean soil, asks almost nothing, and spreads steadily into a weed-smothering silver carpet.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 12 days
Harvest
~90 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
12-18 in. apart
Planting Depth
Crown at soil line
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Average, dry, very well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 8
When to Fertilize
None needed
Fertilizer
None; prefers lean soil
Plant lamb's ear in average to poor, dry, very well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, spacing plants 12 to 18 in. apart to spread into a mat. Its one enemy is wet: in rich, soggy ground or humid, crowded conditions the woolly leaves rot, so keep it lean, give it airflow, and water only in real drought. Shear off the flower spikes if you prefer a tidy foliage carpet, and rake out any matted, rotted leaves in spring. Divide clumps every few years to refresh them and make more. It is very low-care once established.
Direct sow
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 28
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
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Pick the soft leaves anytime through the growing season, choosing clean, dry, unblemished ones. They can be used fresh or dried, though they are most valued fresh for their absorbent softness. Shearing the plant also yields a flush of fresh leaves and keeps the mat dense.
Lamb's ear is grown as an ornamental rather than a food - the soft, absorbent leaves gave it its old name, woundwort. In the garden its real worth is as a drought-proof silver groundcover that smothers weeds, edges a bed beautifully, and draws bees when allowed to flower.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.