Description
Stachys lanata is a member of the Stachys genus, also known as lamb’s ears, it is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to parts of the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Turkey, and Iran. Stachys lanata is valued for its soft, fuzzy, silver-gray leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb, which give the plant its common name. The leaves are oval in shape and grow in a rosette pattern on the stems. In the summer, the plant produces tall spikes of small, pink or purple flowers that are held above the foliage on long stems. Stachys lanata is a popular ornamental plant that is often used in herbaceous borders, rock gardens, and other small garden settings. It is also a popular choice for container gardens, and can be grown indoors in bright, sunny locations. The plant is fairly easy to care for, and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Overall, Stachys lanata is a charming and versatile plant that can add texture and interest to a variety of garden settings. Its soft, silvery foliage and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Lamb’s Ear
- Hardiness:Fully Hardy
- How big will I get? Stachys lanata can grow to a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m.
- Did You Know That:Stachys lanata is a member of the mint family and has a pleasant, minty scent when the leaves are crushed.
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Stachys lanata prefers soil with good drainage and does not tolerate standing water. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Stachys lanata prefers an exposed position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Stachys lanata should be deadheaded regularly to promote new flowers coming through. This will prolong the flowering period of the plant as it saves the energy that the plant would have put into producing seeds and allows it to produce more flowers!
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Stachys lanata can have problems with slugs and caterpillars, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as powdery mildews. It is not considered to be toxic.