As soon as you see the floppy,
soft, wooly leaves of this perennial you know why many people refer to it as Lamb's Ear.
The silvery gray foliage is very elegant and adds textural interest to the garden. Stachys
is a low growing, evergreen perennial that is most often used as and edging plant. The
mound of wooly leaves grow about a foot tall and the flowers are usually shades of
pinkish-purple.
Full sun is essential for plants to grow and thrive but they will
tolerate light shade. Stachys prefers a well drained, rich organic soil. Amend your
soil with plenty of compost and peat moss before planting. Good drainage is a must -
plants will rot quickly if planted in soggy soils. If you need to improve your soils
drainage add some sand and pea gravel during the amending process. Plants tolerate dry
spells very good, but look their best when provided with an extra drink of water during
periods of drought. Feed in early spring with a top dressing of composted manure and
bone meal. Cut back faded flower stems back to the ground. Stachys plants
spread fast so you may need to divide
them in the spring every 3 - 4 years.
Stachys
Zones: 4 - 8
Propagation: division and stem cuttings
Problems: none known
Notes: If grown in containers be careful not to over water
(sta'
kis)
