Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Violet

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey, Silver, White

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

'Helene von Stein' is a cultivar or S. byzantina, and is a dense, mat-forming perennial with velvety, soft, grayish white leaves. This cultivar has larger leaves than others and is more heat and humidity resistant. Though reported to not have flowers, eventually, in time, some may begin to appear. The foliage grows to about 8 to 12 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Use in rock gardens, sunny borders, along walks, and in parkstrips.

Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant. Will tolerate some light afternoon shade, too much shade, however, may impede leaf drying and promote the onset of disease and general mushiness. Avoid overhead watering. Pick off damaged leaves in the early spring, before new growth emerges. Divide in spring or fall. Spreads by creeping stems that root as they go along the ground and can be aggressive in rich soils or in sites that are over-watered. 'Helene von Stein' can be seen at the Washington Square Garden, and the blooms are lovely...