Lamb’s Ear: A Guide for Beginners
What is Lamb’s Ear?
Lamb’s ear is a beautiful plant with silvery-green leaves that are soft and fuzzy. It’s a popular choice for gardens because it’s easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. Lamb’s ear is also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry climates.
How to Grow Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is easy to grow from seed or by division. If you’re planting from seed, sow the seeds in moist, well-drained soil in the spring or fall. If you’re dividing an existing plant, dig up the rootball and use a sharp knife to divide it into two or three parts. Replant the divisions in moist, well-drained soil.
Lamb’s ear prefers full sun to partial shade. It’s important to choose a planting location with well-drained soil, as lamb’s ear does not tolerate wet feet.
Caring for Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is a very low-maintenance plant. It only needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. There’s no need to fertilize lamb’s ear, and deadheading spent blooms will encourage new growth.
Problems with Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is generally pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to wilting and rotting in damp soils. If you notice any wilting or rotting leaves, remove them immediately to prevent the problem from spreading.
Varieties of Lamb’s Ear
There are several different varieties of lamb’s ear available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’: This variety forms a dense mat of silvery foliage and rarely flowers.
- Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’: This variety has larger leaves and woolly, purple flowers.
- Stachys byzantina ‘Silky Fleece’: This dwarf variety has tiny silvery leaves and short flower spikes.
Conclusion
Lamb’s ear is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for a variety of garden settings. With its silvery-green foliage and soft, fuzzy texture, lamb’s ear is a surefire way to add interest and beauty to your garden.
