Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Grey, Silver, White

 

Bark Color

White

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is an improve selection of the species. It has silver-grey foliage which appears whitish due to soft, woolly hairs on leaves. Stems are white. Tall spires of purple flowers appear in early summer, though this plant is best known for its foliage. Both flowers and foliage are nice in floral arrangements. Foliage stands to about 6 to 8 inches tall, with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Flower stems may reach 12 to 18 inches. Useful as a groundcover or to soften the edge of a walkway, though it does not tolerate foot traffic.

Plant in full sun and in well drained soil. Over-watering or wet soils makes Lamb's Ear matted. Silver Carpet was selected for its larger leaf size, and less profuse flower; some people cut off all the flowers before they even bloom as they are growing the plant for its foliage. I like the flowers, and deadhead after blooming to provide a tidy appearance. After winter, Lamb's Ear may look a little tattered and ragged; cut back stems to where the leaves look nice - plant will fill in fairly quickly.