Stachys byzantine 'Helene von Stein' ('Big Ears') (15) Quarts
Common name: Lamb's Ear-Giant.
Zone 4 to 8.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 8 to 10 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide,
clump-forming herbaceous perennial.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Leaves are velvety soft, greenish-silver, and shaped like its namesake. 'Big Ears' has huge leaves that are at least twice the size of regular lamb's ears. Rarely sending up small flower stalks, it is listed as a non-flowering cultivar. Perhaps more heat and humidity tolerant than other varieties.
Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit
Stachys grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. Good drainage is essential for this plant. Plants may be clipped back hard immediately after blooming, to tidy up the clumps for the rest of the season. Divide every 3 to 4 years in spring, or more frequently if plants become woody in the center.
This genus contains many members with foliage and plant habits completely different from the common gray-leafed (and somewhat invasive) Lamb's Ears.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Drought Tolerant, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Easy to grow, Deer and Rabbit resistant. |
)
