PerennialsStachys byzantina
Lamb's Ear
Lamb's Ear is a versatile perennial with soft, silvery, woolly leaves that invite touch. The plant forms dense mats of fuzzy rosettes and blooms in summer with small pink-purple flowers on upright stems.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 20–40 cm
- Spread
- 30–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- pink, purple
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. The plant tolerates drought excellently and needs barely any water. Avoid overly moist locations as the foliage may rot. A light feeding in spring is sufficient.
Pruning tips
Remove flower stems after blooming to keep the plant tidy. Cut away any damaged or brown leaves in spring. The plant spreads via runners — limit as needed.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsSalvia nemorosa
Woodland Sage
Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.