Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina ‘Helen Von Stein’

Common Name: Lamb’s Ear

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Size: 8–12" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, clump-forming

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, and poor soils

Water Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant

Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer (flowers are secondary to foliage)

Fertilizer: Minimal; excess fertility reduces leaf quality

Features: Silvery-gray foliage, soft velvety texture, heat tolerant, deer resistant

Uses: Borders, edging, groundcover, containers, rock gardens, dry landscapes

Patent: ❌ Not patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation permitted

See our complete Lamb's Ear Growth & Care Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Stachys ‘Helen Von Stein’

Stachys ‘Helen Von Stein’ is prized primarily for its oversized, silver-gray foliage, which is noticeably larger and more durable than traditional lamb’s ear varieties. The leaves form a dense, low mat that reflects sunlight beautifully, helping keep the plant cooler and more resilient in hot, exposed conditions. While it does produce flower spikes in late spring, this variety is grown almost entirely for foliage, and many gardeners remove blooms to maintain a clean, uniform appearance.

Compared to smaller or more upright lamb’s ear selections, ‘Helen Von Stein’ spreads more evenly and stays lower to the ground, making it particularly effective as an edging plant or groundcover. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in lean soils make it a dependable choice for low-maintenance landscapes, Mediterranean-style gardens, and xeriscaping designs.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Stachys ‘Helen Von Stein’ has consistently outperformed standard lamb’s ear varieties in both heat tolerance and overall appearance. The foliage stays thicker, cleaner, and less prone to decline during hot summers, especially when planted in full sun with good drainage.

We also appreciate how well it spreads without becoming aggressive, filling in space evenly while maintaining a tidy, intentional look. For gardeners wanting a reliable silver foliage plant that looks great all season with minimal input, this is one of the strongest performers we’ve tested.

Helen Von Stein vs. Silver Carpet

Helen Von Stein stands out for its bold, oversized foliage and rugged performance, especially in hotter, more exposed garden settings. Compared to Stachys ‘Silver Carpet’, the leaves are noticeably larger, thicker, and more sculptural, giving it a stronger visual presence in mixed beds and along borders. It tolerates heat and drought exceptionally well and tends to look better than most lamb’s ear varieties during peak summer, even when conditions are dry. While it can produce flower spikes, this variety is primarily grown for foliage, and many gardeners choose to remove blooms to keep the plant looking clean and uniform. Overall, ‘Helen Von Stein’ is the better choice when you want a statement silver plant that still functions as a groundcover.