Stachys byzantina – Herb garden

Stachys byzantina (commonly known as Lamb’s ear) is a perennial herb, grows up to 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It has soft, oblong-elliptic leaves and stems densely white-woolly. Basal leaves are to 10cm long, in rosettes, flowering stems erect to 50cm in height. Lamb’s Ear flowers in late spring and early summer, plants produce tall spike-like stems with a few reduced leaves. The flowers are small and either white or pink. The plants tend to be evergreen but can die back during cold winters and regenerate new growth from the crowns. It has in some cases be utilized as a medicinal plant. Lamb’s ears are generally grown as ornamentals for their attractive fuzzy leaves, which are reminiscent of the soft ears of young lambs.

Scientific Name: Stachys byzantina
Synonyms: Stachys lanata or Stachys olympica.
Common Name: Lamb’s ear or woolly hedgenettle

 

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Stachys byzantina:

Light:
It prefers full sun to part shade. Keep your plant at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil:
It grows well in sandy, clay, well-drained soil. It requires the soil pH range of 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline).

Water:
Water moderately but consistently during the growing season, Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter season.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize your plant monthly from spring to fall with the diluted liquid fertilizer.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by dividing the rootball or by seed. Every 3 or 4 years divide the plant in early spring, just as the new growth begins.

Pruning:
Prune the plant back in the spring and prune out brown leaves as needed. Expel blossoms to prolong the life of the plant. Pruning will help the plant to bush out and remain more compact.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. May be subject to powdery mildews. Watch for Slugs and caterpillars.

Advantages of Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s ear):

• Leaves and flowers of Lamb’s ear have been used for centuries, mainly for it’s antibacterial, antiseptic, antipyretic and astringent properties.
• Leaves and flowers can be used as a unique, woolly, slightly bitter vegetable.
• Lamb’s ear leaves have been utilized for centuries as a wound dressing on battlefields. Not only do the soft, fuzzy leaves absorb blood and help it to clot more quickly, they additionally contain antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Juice squeezed over stings decreases swellings. Infusions are helpful with colds, diarrhoea, throat and gums infections, asthma, internal bleedings, varicose veins and also strengthens liver and heart.