Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’

Common Name: Lamb’s Ear

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Size: 6–10" Tall × 18–24" Spread

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

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

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

Water Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant

Bloom Season: Rare to none (grown for foliage)

Fertilizer: Minimal; excess fertility reduces silver coloration

Features: Fine-textured silver foliage, compact habit, deer resistant, drought tolerant

Uses: Groundcover, edging, borders, containers, rock gardens, pathways

Patent: ❌ Not patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation permitted

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

More About Lamb’s Ear ‘Silver Carpet’

Lamb’s Ear ‘Silver Carpet’ is a refined, foliage-forward selection prized for its tight, uniform growth and consistently silvery leaves. Compared to larger-leaf varieties, the foliage is smaller and more compact, forming a dense mat that looks intentionally groomed even without regular maintenance. Its reduced flowering habit is a major advantage for gardeners who prefer uninterrupted foliage without tall bloom stalks disrupting the plant’s clean profile.

This variety excels in areas where a low, spreading groundcover is needed without vertical height or visual clutter. It performs best in full sun with excellent drainage, where the silver foliage remains brightest and most resilient. ‘Silver Carpet’ is especially effective along walkways, borders, and the front of garden beds, where its soft texture contrasts beautifully with stone, mulch, and darker-leaved plants.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Silver Carpet’ has been one of the most consistent lamb’s ear varieties for maintaining a tidy, uniform appearance throughout the growing season. The lack of flowering keeps the plant focused on foliage production, which reduces maintenance and prevents mid-season decline often seen in blooming types.

We also like how well it fills in without becoming coarse or overly aggressive, making it easy to control in both garden beds and containers. For gardeners looking for a true silver groundcover with a polished, intentional look, ‘Silver Carpet’ has proven to be a reliable, low-effort performer.

Silver Carpet vs. Helene Von Stein

Silver Carpet  is all about refinement and control. Its smaller leaves and tighter, mat-forming habit create a smooth, carpet-like appearance that stays low and tidy throughout the season. Unlike ‘Helen Von Stein’ it rarely flowers, which keeps the plant’s energy focused on foliage and eliminates the need for deadheading. This makes ‘Silver Carpet’ especially well-suited for edging paths, lining walkways, or filling small spaces where a neat, polished look matters most. If ‘Helen Von Stein’ is bold and architectural, ‘Silver Carpet’ is clean, subtle, and precise—ideal for gardeners who value uniformity and low maintenance.