Lamb’s Ear , HERB SEEDS Caribbeangardenseed

Stachys byzantina Big Ears, ‘Helen Von Stein’ (Stachys byzantina)Woolly Betony Also known as Stachys lanata, or olympica
A large and diverse genus in the Mint family that includes a number of valuable garden plants. One of the best is Lamb’s Ear, Stachys byzantina, a creeper with leaves that are so densely felted with white hairs that they appear gray or silver.

This species does flower, throwing silver wands capped with small, pink or purple blooms, but its soft, woolly foliage is really the main attraction. ‘Big Ears’, also known as ‘Countess Helen von Stein’, produces huge leaves, growing up to 12in long–twice as big as conventional Lamb’s Ears. The look is bolder and more settled. Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They tolerate drought, but also get by in a bit of shade and quite heavy soil.

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys Byzantina Lanata) – Start Lamb’s Ear seeds for a wonderful ground cover plant with masses of silvery, velvet-textured leaves that stay crisp and look fresh all season. Flowers bloom on spikes that reach up to 16 inches and are lilac in color. Stachys Byzantina Lamb’s Ear is very adaptive. It is drought tolerant enough for a rock garden setting, and it is also a good choice for growing in hot, humid summers where some plants can lose their form. The silvery foliage offers a cool accent for the bright greens and colors of the summer garden. Lamb’s Ear ground cover makes a perfect companion plant for a rose garden.
Grow this hardy perennial flower in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. It is a reliable performer that needs little care. Lamb’s Ear uses include edging the border of the garden or as a general ground cover. It is a ready self-seeder, and also spreads by roots making it ideal for ground cover.

Sow Lamb’s Ear seeds in late winter, 8 – 10 weeks before last frost. Use starter trays and quality starter soil. Press Lamb’s Ear seeds into the soil but do not cover. Keep the flower seeds continuously moist until germination. Transplant Lamb’s Ear seedlings outdoors in spring. At the time of transplanting, pinch back to encourage compact growth. Space Lamb’s Ear plants 16 inches a part.
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 4 – 8
Height: 12 – 16 inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Lilac
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, pH 5.8 – 7.2
Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
Temperature: 70F
Average Germ Time: 21 – 35 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per plant or approximately 1000 seeds cover 20 square fe
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 16 inches