Stachys Byzantina 'Lamb's Ear'

Lamb's Ear / Woolly Betony / Donkey's Ears / Lamb's Wool / Woolly Hedge Nettle

Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina 'Lamb's Ear'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Southwest Asia (Turkey, Caucasus, Iran)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial groundcover

Overview

Stachys byzantina ‘Lamb’s Ear’ forms soft, silvery mats that light up borders and paths in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate. The velvety leaves are the hero; fuzzy flower spikes with small pink-purple blooms appear in late spring–summer but are often trimmed to keep foliage pristine. Tough, drought-wise and child-friendly tactile.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.15–0.30 m H × 0.30–0.60 m W (clump/matting)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Large, velvety silver leaves; dense, tidy cushions; brightest in cool/dry weather
• Flowers: Woolly stems with small pink-purple flowers late spring–summer (remove if you prefer a foliage look)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silver foliage; peak colour and density in the cooler months
• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees/beneficials if left on
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Heat- and Coastal-tolerant; Light frost tolerant; dislikes humidity and waterlogging
• Planting Density: Edging: 3–4 plants per metre; Groundcover: 5–9 plants per m²
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (give afternoon shade in hottest inland spots)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy/loam or raised beds; avoid heavy, wet clay (mound and add grit if needed)
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; minimal in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch with gravel/bark to keep leaves off wet soil; remove flower spikes and tatty leaves; divide clumps every 2–3 years; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 5–10+ years with sharp drainage
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal suburbs; protect from prolonged winter wet in Hills pockets
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Soft, silver edging for paths and cottage borders
• Mass in drifts for a luminous, weed-suppressing carpet between shrubs
• Great in pots/raised planters; pairs beautifully with lavender, salvia and roses

Why You Will Love It

Instant silver softness that makes neighbouring plants pop. ‘Lamb’s Ear’ stays neat, drought-wise and kid-friendly tactile—perfect for Adelaide gardens wanting year-round contrast with almost no fuss.