Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein' ('Big Ears')
  Common Name: Lamb's Ear-Giant
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Wonderful for children's gardens! Lamb's Ear is aptly named; its leaves are velvety soft, greenish-silver, and shaped like its namesake. It is a wonderful plant for edging, massed in the front of the border garden, or in containers.

This selection has huge leaves that are at least twice the size of regular lamb's ears. It is listed as a non-flowering cultivar, though it rarely does send up a few small flower stalks. It is reported to be more heat and humidity tolerant than other varieties.

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  8-10 Inches
Spread:
  12-18 Inches
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
4,5,6,7,8
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
  Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
  Deer resistant
  Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
  Medium
When should it bloom?:
  Grown for its attractive foliage
How's your soil?:
  Poor Soil
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Cottage
  Rock Garden
  Eclectic

Size(s) Offered:
  Plugs: 30ct

Attributes:
Border plants
Container
Drought Tolerant
Edging
Mass Planting
Salt Tolerant
Grown for attractive foliage
Easy to grow

Awards:
  Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Lamb's Ear grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Good drainage is essential for this plant. Without it, plants will rot. Divide every 3-4 years in spring or more frequently if plants become woody in the center. Rake in the spring to remove the dead foliage. Plants are drought tolerant once established.


Companions:
Common/Botanical Name
 Zones  
Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Geranium 'Brookside'
Common Name: Geranium-Hardy
4,5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.