Stachys byzantina

How to Grow Lambs Ears

Lambs Ears are such a joy to have in the garden. Their soft grey furry leaves are so inviting to touch over and over again, making them a favourite planting for kids or for therapeutic gardens. Great for borders in sensory gardens or in pots. These plants are a real crowd pleaser!

Full sun

Water sparingly. Can tolerate periods of drought when established.

Well drained, slightly alkaline soils

Suitable for most climatic zones

How to grow lamb ears in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun. Enrich the well drained soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water once or twice a week for two to three weeks until established. Following the settling in period limit water to once a week or rely on rainwater.

Step 6

Feed weekly through the growing season with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow lamb ears in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Once planted, water once or twice a week for two to three weeks until established. Following the settling in period limit water to once a week.

Step 5

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

These plants don't like having wet feet. Avoid having them in overly damp soils or conditions. Best results occur if you allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.
Avoid overhead watering, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Lambs Ears don't like humid conditions and heavy rainfall areas. If in heavy rainfall areas, grow the plants under shelter or in an area otherwise protected from the rainfall.
Perfect choice for Mediterranean or otherwise dry gardens.
Great plant for kids' gardens and therapeutic gardens due to their soft fluffy foliage.
Tall purple spikes of flowers are produced from spring to summer.