Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Silver

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, 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

Lambs' ear is a most fabulous perennial and groundcover, grown primarily for its soft, velvety leaves. It grows about a foot or so tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet. Leaves are grey-green and hairy, with the hairs giving the leaves a silvery cast. Though not really evergreen, the leaves turn a lovely buff come fall and persist well into the winter months, until buried under snow. Erect flowering stems arise May and June, with pink to lavender flowers at the terminal end. Some remove the flower stems before they bloom, but they are simple and charming. Use as a edging plant for a perennial, shrub, or foundation border, or as a ground cover. There are some named cultivars; 'Helene Von Stein' and 'Big Wave' claim to be flowerless, though in my experience they all eventually come to flower. Leaves are wonderful on wreaths (but you'll need a glue gun). There are lambs ear planted at the Washington Square Demonstration Garden.

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...