Foliage by Nancy J. Ondra

Author:Nancy J. Ondra
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Published: 2007-12-08T16:00:00+00:00

Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’

STACHYS

Lamb’s ears

Height: 6–12 inches

Leaf size: Varies

Full sun to partial shade

Zones vary

The fuzzy foliage of lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina; also known as S. lanata and S. olympica) has endeared it to generations of gardeners. The “please-touch” leaves aren’t the only reason to grow it, though; it’s also one of the most sturdy and adaptable silver-leaved plants around—at least where the weather isn’t especially humid. “Ever-silver” in mild climates, lamb’s ears forms creeping carpets of 4-inch-long, 2-inch-wide, oblong to lance-shaped leaves that are densely covered with silvery white wool. In early to midsummer, they produce upright, equally woolly, 1- to 3-foot-tall flowering stems that bear whorls of small purplish pink blooms. Some gardeners find the flowers appealing, but others prefer to clip them off as they form to better feature the foliage. Growing the cultivar ‘Silver Carpet’, which is much less likely to produce flowering stems, is one way to keep the clipping to a minimum. If you like the spiky look of the upright stems but don’t want self-sown seedlings, look for ‘Cotton Boll’ (also sold as ‘Cotton Ball’, ‘Silver Ball’, and ‘Sheila Macqueen’); it looks like it’s going to bloom, but the flowers never actually open. ‘Big Ears’ (also known as ‘Helene von Stein’) is about twice the size in leaf and seldom produces flower stalks. Its leaves aren’t quite as hairy, so it’s more grayish green than silvery, but it’s also somewhat less likely to rot in humid conditions. Zones 3 or 4 to 8.

For silvery foliage and showy flowers, consider woundwort (S. albotomentosa; reportedly the same as S. coccinea ‘Hidalgo’). It’s also known as 7-Up plant because the 2- to 4-inch-long, 1-to 2-inch-wide, gray-green leaves release a fruity fragrance when you rub them. From late spring into fall, it sends up slender 1- to 2-foot-tall stems with clusters of small orange-pink flowers that age to coral red. The leafy clumps eventually spread several feet across, making a great ground cover for a slope or a dry-soil border; it also looks excellent in a container. Zones 7 or 8 to 10.

GROWING TIPS: A site with full sun to partial shade and average, well-drained soil suits both species. Lamb’s ears will even take dry shade. Be aware that in the moist, rich soil of a perennial border, it can spread aggressively; you’re better off using it alone as a ground cover or combined with equally vigorous spreaders. Both species may self-sow if you don’t remove the spent flowering spikes. Where summers are humid, cut back the whole clump to an inch or two above the ground after flowering (or any time the foliage gets discolored) for a flush of fresh new leaves.

ALTERNATIVE: As you might guess from its common names—white gossamer and white velvet—Trades-cantia sillamontana has a cobwebby white covering over its gray-green leaves. The stems are upright at first, then trailing. Ideal for cascading out of a container, or as a temporary ground cover in cool climates. Full sun to light shade; average to dry, well-drained soil.

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