Stachys Ultimate Growth and Care Guide

Stachys is a diverse genus of plants best known for combining texture, durability, and wide garden versatility. Ranging from the famously soft, silvery foliage of lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) to upright, flowering perennial species, Stachys plants are valued for their adaptability and low-maintenance nature. Many varieties thrive in full sun to partial shade and tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils once established. Whether used as groundcovers, border plants, or accent foliage, Stachys adds structure and contrast to both traditional and modern garden designs.

This plant guide covers everything you need to know about growing and caring for Stachys successfully. From light and soil preferences to maintenance tips and common uses, it’s designed to help you choose the right variety and get the best performance from your plants.

By: Reggie Meehan (01/04/2026)

Introduction to Stachys

Stachys, commonly known as Lamb's Ear, is a hardy perennial admired for its velvety silver foliage and soft, woolly leaves that resemble a lamb’s ears. This unique texture makes it a favorite choice for sensory gardens, rock gardens, and borders, where it adds both visual interest and a tactile element. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to tolerate poor soils and drought make it a reliable option for gardeners seeking resilient yet attractive plants.

Specifically, Stachys byzantina originates from the Middle East and Central Asia, where it has adapted to thrive in dry, sunny climates. Its silvery-gray foliage offers a stunning contrast against vibrant greens and colorful blooms, creating dynamic garden compositions. Beyond its ornamental value, Lamb's Ear produces tall spikes of purple or pink flowers in late spring to early summer, drawing in pollinators and enhancing the ecological balance of the garden.

I first added Lamb's Ear to my garden as a border plant, and its silvery hue immediately brightened the space. Not only is it a conversation starter, but its ability to thrive with minimal care has made it a staple in my landscape designs ever since. The soft, velvety texture of the leaves invites touch, making it especially popular with children and garden visitors. Even during dry spells, Lamb’s Ear holds its shape and color beautifully, adding a soothing contrast to green foliage and vibrant blooms around it.

Characteristics of Stachys

Stachys is a versatile plant known for its dense, ground-hugging growth habit and its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Its foliage remains attractive year-round, even in mild winters, making it a popular choice for evergreen interest. The plant’s flowers are an added bonus, providing vertical interest with their tall spikes. Though the flowers can be pruned back to encourage foliage growth, many gardeners enjoy their delicate charm.

Size and Growth Habit

Stachys is a taller plant, typically reaching 18 to 24 inches in height, with a spreading growth habit driven by underground rhizomes. Over time, these rhizomes allow the plant to form dense, interconnected mats that naturally fill open spaces in garden beds and borders. This growth pattern makes Stachys especially effective at suppressing weeds, as its thick, overlapping foliage shades the soil and reduces competition. Once established, it creates a uniform, cohesive planting with very little ongoing effort.

Growth is moderate and generally well-controlled, requiring minimal maintenance under normal conditions. Stachys functions well as a living mulch, helping conserve soil moisture and protect bare ground from erosion. In vigorous growing conditions, its spreading nature can occasionally lead to crowding, so periodic thinning may be beneficial to improve airflow and maintain plant health.

Leaves and Flowers

Lamb's Ear is most famous for its distinctive foliage. The leaves are broad, elongated, and covered in a dense layer of fine, silvery-white hairs, giving them a soft, velvety feel reminiscent of a lamb’s ear—hence the name. This woolly texture helps the plant retain moisture, making it highly drought-tolerant and suited for xeriscaping projects. The leaves grow in low rosettes, with new growth emerging from the center, maintaining a lush, full appearance throughout the growing season.

In late spring to early summer, Stachys byzantina produces tall, upright flower spikes that contrast beautifully with its low, spreading foliage. These spikes are adorned with small, tubular, two-lipped flowers in shades ranging from pale pink to lavender. The delicate blooms add a touch of color while attracting important pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once the blooms fade, deadheading can encourage further foliage development and maintain the plant’s tidy appearance.

Is Stachys Annual or Perennial?

Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, meaning it returns year after year with proper care. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, demonstrating excellent cold tolerance in northern regions while remaining evergreen in milder climates. In Zone 8A, where we are located, Lamb's Ear performs exceptionally well, maintaining its silver foliage year-round and providing continuous texture to the landscape. Each spring, the plant rejuvenates with fresh growth, making it a reliable and enduring choice for permanent garden installations. Its long-term resilience, paired with minimal water requirements and natural pest resistance, makes it a staple in low-maintenance, eco-friendly gardens.

Best Varieties of Stachys TESTED

We evaluated Lamb's Ear varieties based on their foliage quality, flower production, and adaptability to different garden settings. Here are our top picks:

Best Variety #1: Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’

  • Large, thick leaves with minimal flowering.

  • Ideal for those who prefer lush foliage without the distraction of flowers.

Best Variety #2: Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’

  • Compact growth habit with soft, silvery leaves.

  • Rarely flowers, making it a perfect ground cover.

Best Variety #3: Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’

  • Oversized leaves that are particularly soft and striking.

  • Works well as a focal point in borders or sensory gardens.

Best Variety #4: Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’

  • A flowering variety with vibrant purple spikes and dark green foliage.

  • Combines ornamental and pollinator-friendly qualities.

How to Grow & Care for Stachys (Lamb's Ear)

Lamb's Ear is a remarkably low-maintenance plant that offers unique silvery foliage and thrives in various garden settings. Whether you're planting it for ground cover, texture contrast, or its pollinator-friendly blooms, following these care guidelines will ensure healthy, vibrant growth.

Planting Stachys

Lamb's Ear thrives when planted in early spring or early fall, giving the roots enough time to establish before facing extreme heat or winter frost. Proper spacing is essential for healthy growth, with plants ideally positioned 12 to 18 inches apart to promote good airflow and minimize the risk of fungal diseases. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant sits at soil level and that the root ball is placed at the same depth as in its nursery container. Planting too deeply can lead to crown rot. After planting, water thoroughly to help settle the soil and establish root contact, ensuring the plant has a strong start.

Sunlight Requirements

For optimal growth, Lamb's Ear thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant silver foliage. In regions with intense summer heat, partial shade can help prevent the leaves from scorching, but too much shade may result in leggy, less compact growth. Consistent sunlight exposure enhances the plant’s striking silvery hue and keeps its foliage dense and healthy.

Soil Requirements

Lamb's Ear requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot, making sandy or loamy soils ideal for its growth. If planted in clay or compacted soil, amending it with sand, compost, or other organic matter can improve drainage and aeration. Moderate fertility is sufficient, as the plant can tolerate poorer soils better than nutrient-rich ones. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, which helps maintain the plant's signature foliage color and overall health.

Watering Needs

As a drought-tolerant plant, Lamb's Ear requires minimal watering once established. It thrives in dry conditions and prefers to be watered sparingly. Overwatering can be detrimental, leading to root rot and fungal issues. It's best to water deeply but infrequently, only during extended dry spells or extreme heat. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can encourage diseases like powdery mildew. Instead, focus on watering at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry while still hydrating the roots effectively.

Fertilizer Needs

Lamb's Ear is not a heavy feeder and generally thrives without much supplemental nutrition. If the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring can promote healthy growth. However, over-fertilizing should be avoided, as excessive nutrients can lead to weak, leggy growth and diminish the plant’s compact appearance. Minimal feeding helps maintain the plant's characteristic silver-gray foliage and sturdy structure.

Pruning & Deadheading

To keep Lamb's Ear looking its best, regular pruning is recommended. After the flowering period in late spring to early summer, removing spent flower spikes can help redirect the plant’s energy back into its lush foliage. Deadheading also prevents self-seeding, which can lead to overcrowding. Additionally, trimming back any dead or damaged leaves in early spring encourages fresh, vibrant growth and helps maintain a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

Overwintering

Lamb's Ear is a hardy perennial that can survive winter in many climates, but extra care can help protect it in colder regions. In USDA zones 4 and 5, applying a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall can insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. However, it's crucial to avoid excessive mulching or water retention around the crown, as overly damp conditions can lead to root rot during the winter months. In milder zones like 8A, Lamb's Ear often remains evergreen, requiring minimal winter care.

Common Pests

Lamb's Ear is generally resistant to most pests but can occasionally attract slugs and snails due to its soft, woolly leaves. These pests can be managed with organic deterrents such as diatomaceous earth, copper tape, or handpicking. Aphids may also target the plant, especially during the blooming period. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent damage and ensure healthy flowering.

Common Diseases

While typically disease-resistant, Lamb's Ear can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid climates with poor airflow. To prevent this, ensure proper plant spacing and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew develops, affected leaves can be trimmed, and fungicidal treatments applied if necessary. Root rot is another risk, primarily caused by waterlogged soil. Ensuring proper drainage and refraining from overwatering can effectively prevent this issue.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes with Lamb's Ear is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and fungal issues. Because the plant is drought-tolerant, it requires minimal moisture once established. Another frequent error is planting in heavy clay soil without improving drainage, as compacted soil can retain water and suffocate the roots. Overcrowding can also pose a problem, as inadequate spacing reduces air circulation, increasing the likelihood of powdery mildew. Being mindful of these factors ensures a healthier, longer-lasting planting.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception about Lamb's Ear is that it’s purely a foliage plant. While its velvety silver leaves are the primary attraction, it also produces tall, slender spikes of pale lavender to pink flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Another myth is that the plant needs frequent watering. In reality, it thrives on neglect and dry conditions once established. Some gardeners also mistakenly believe Lamb's Ear is invasive, but it spreads slowly and is easy to manage with occasional thinning, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens.

Using Lamb’s Ear in the Garden

Lamb's Ear is a versatile perennial that fits seamlessly into a variety of garden designs, bringing both visual beauty and functional benefits. Its unique silver foliage and low-maintenance nature make it an ideal addition for gardens seeking both structure and softness.

Ground Cover

The most common use for Lamb's Ear in garden design is as a ground cover. Its dense, mat-forming growth habit makes it perfect for suppressing weeds while adding soft, silvery texture to garden beds, borders, and pathways. The woolly leaves create a striking contrast when paired with vibrant flowering plants like roses, purple salvias, and echinacea, enhancing the overall visual appeal of mixed plantings. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and resist drought makes it a reliable choice for filling difficult areas where other plants might struggle.

Container Gardening 

Another excellent use for Lamb's Ear is in container planting, particularly with compact varieties like ‘Silver Carpet.’ These smaller cultivars are perfect for patio containers, where their soft, trailing foliage spills gracefully over the edges of pots. Lamb's Ear pairs beautifully with taller, colorful flowering plants such as lavender, coreopsis, or alliums, creating a balanced and visually interesting arrangement. Its silvery foliage helps highlight the colors of companion plants while providing contrast in both texture and form.

Sensory Gardens 

Lamb's Ear is also widely used in sensory gardens, where its velvety texture offers a delightful tactile experience. Its soft, fuzzy leaves make it especially appealing for gardens designed for children or visually impaired individuals, encouraging touch and interaction with the plants. The gentle, soothing texture of the foliage, combined with its silvery glow, creates a calming effect in therapeutic garden spaces.

Lamb’s Ear Maintains Soft Silvery Foliage

Looking to grow Lamb’s Ear in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer premium Stachys byzantina plants, cherished for their soft, velvety leaves and soothing silver color that brightens up garden borders and pathways. This drought-tolerant perennial forms a dense, low-growing mat that’s ideal for edging, groundcover, or pairing with bold blooms for contrast. Lamb’s Ear thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance once established. It’s also deer-resistant, kid-friendly, and often a favorite for sensory gardens thanks to its irresistible texture. Add Lamb’s Ear to your garden today for low-fuss beauty, soft texture, and year-round interest.