How to propagate Lamb’s Ear (Stachys Byzantina)
- Collect the seed. Lamb’s ear will flower in late spring and right through summer. Towards the end of autumn the spent...
- Sow the seed. Usually when we collect seed, we immediately sow it. However with the lamb’s ear we waited a little while.
- Potting the seedlings. These seedlings were potted 6 weeks after the seed was sown.
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Is lambs ear easy to grow from seed?
Lamb's ear is extremely easy to grow. The only caveat is its need for well-drained soil. Otherwise, they are very difficult to kill. Lamb's ear prefers soil that is on the dry side and thrives best in full sun (although some afternoon shade is helpful in very warm climates).
Is lamb's ear easy to grow?
Like many silvery plants, they are extremely drought tolerant. Perfect for rock gardens or a dry spot of average soil in a garden bed, lamb's ears are easy plants to grow. The leaves quickly form a soft mat of rosettes. They were also once used as bandages and are reportedly helpful in relieving the pain of bee stings.
How do you multiply lambs ear?
Easy Reseeders. The dry seedheads of some plants like Lamb's ears, grasses, coreopsis and lavender can be simply laid down in good soil where you'd like more, and next spring you'll see sprouts growing. Water them well when you lay them down and then just forget them. Nothing could be easier!
Where is the best place to plant lamb's ear?
The plant should be grown in full sun or partial shade. Although lamb's ear can tolerate the poorest of soils, it should always be well-draining as the plant dislikes overly moist soil. This is especially true of shady areas. Lamb's ear has many uses in the garden, though it is grown primarily for its foliage.
How quickly does Lambs Ear spread?
Individual plants will quickly spread to about 18 inches in width and then slowly spread out from there. Every few years you can divide the clump to keep it contained in the space allotted for it and to provide new plants for other locations in the garden.
Will lambs ear grow from a cutting?
Lamb's ears can be propagated by dividing existing plants or sowing seeds. While it can be grown from cuttings, the success rate for this propagation method is low, and it's just as easy to divide mature plants instead.
Can I divide lambs ear?
After 3 to 4 years, lamb's ears plants may die out in the center and need dividing. Divide in spring, removing the whole plant and separating out fist-sized divisions to replant or give a way. Lamb's ears spread faster in warmer areas and may need to be divided more frequently to keep them from spreading too far.
Do you cut back lambs ear in the winter?
Cut it back in late fall to prevent the fuzzy leaves from rotting. Lamb's Ear will fill in gaps and bare spaces in the front of a garden bed and will hide the leafless skeletons of roses.
Where is lamb's ear native to?
Indigenous to parts of the Middle East, lamb's ear is considered an invasive plant in parts of North America. They spread both by self-seeding and through creeping stems that root wherever they make contact with the soil.
How to keep lamb's ear from getting gangly?
Pruning. Some growers find the flower stalks of lamb's ear gangly in appearance. If that is your opinion, then just prune off the flower stalks. Deadheading the plant keeps it looking tidy and helps prevent sowbugs, which are attracted to diseased foliage; removing the dead leaves helps prevent these pests.
Why are lamb's ears so popular?
Lamb's ear comes in several different cultivars : 'Big Ears' is a popular variety partly because it has just that: bigger ears than the standard type. Those who grow lamb's ears only for the foliage will be glad to know that this cultivar sometimes goes years without blooming.
What zone is lamb's ear?
Lamb's ear grows well throughout its hardiness range, zones 4 to 8. This plant can withstand a range of temperatures but as a ground cover, it dislikes humid conditions, which can make lamb's ear susceptible to leaf diseases.
How big are lamb's ears?
Botanical Name. Stachys byzantina. Common Name. Lamb's ears. Plant Type. Herbaceous perennial. Mature Size. 12–18 inches tall, up to 12 inches wide.
How to keep leaves from rotting?
Leaves that are close to the ground are particularly susceptible to rot. Help keep the foliage dry by mulching underneath the leaves.
Can lamb ears grow in shade?
Grow lamb's ears in full sun in cooler climates. In desert areas and high-heat locations, it can profit from part shade. Heat and a lack of water will scorch the leaves.
What is a lamb's ear plant?
Image by Pro2sound. A favorite for growing with kids, the lamb’s ear plant ( Stachys byzantina) is sure to please in nearly any garden setting. This easy-care perennial has velvety soft, wooly evergreen leaves that are silver to gray-green in color.
What color are lamb's ears?
If left to bloom in summer, lamb’s ear will produce spikes of pink to purple colored flowers too. In addition to enjoying its attractive, fuzzy foliage, the leaves can be used as a “band-aid” of sorts for healing wounds and in helping painful bee stings.
How to keep a sage plant from spreading?
Spreading mulch under the leaves will help prevent this. Trim the plant back in the spring and prune out brown leaves as needed. To keep the plant from spreading, deadheading spent blooms is often a good idea. In addition to self-seeding, the plant can be propagated through division in spring or fall.
Can you water lamb's ear?
Although lamb’s ear doesn’t require much in the way of fertilizer, you can add a bit of compost to the holes prior to planting if desired. Water new plants thoroughly but do not waterlog.
Can lamb's ear be used as a ground cover?
The plant’s low-growing, mat-forming foliage makes it ideal for use as a ground cover. Plant them in open borders alongside other perennial plants or grow them in containers.
Can lamb's ear be grown in full sun?
In fact, lamb’s ear plants are tolerant enough to grow almost anywhere. The plant should be grown in full sun or partial shade. Although lamb’s ear can tolerate the poorest of soils, it should always be well-draining as the plant dislikes overly moist soil. This is especially true of shady areas.
Can you grow lamb's ear in the garden?
Growing Lamb’s Ear. As long as you provide suitable conditions, growing lamb’s ear in the garden is simple. It’s hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-8, and the plant’s Middle East origins make it superb for growing in drought-like conditions. In fact, lamb’s ear plants are tolerant enough to grow almost anywhere.
How long does it take for lamb's ear seed to sprout?
Lamb’s ear seed will sprout very quickly once it’s been sowed. We prefer to wait till about 6-8 weeks before the last frost before we sow the seed. This way once the plants are ready they will not have to survive a frost while they are very young.
Where do lamb ears come from?
Lambs ears originate in the middle east and prefer it on the dry side once established. But keep the young plants moist! Quite often when we pot up seedlings we will water for the first time with a seasol or seaweed solution. This really helps develop a strong healthy root system quickly.
How long does it take for a seedling to emerge?
Lastly we water the seedling tray and store it somewhere safe with a good amount of light. It will only take a few weeks for the seedlings to emerge. Therefore when storing the seedling trays keep them in a safe sheltered area, especially if there is a risk of frost. Evenly distribute the seed.
What is a lamb's ear?
Lamb’s ear is a great garden plant, it forms a striking mat of soft grey foliage. In late spring into summer it will produce many flower spikes that bees just adore. The grey foliage is very soft to touch and is shaped very much like a lamb’s ear. It’s a fabulous addition to a garden where kids play as it’s soooo soft.
How to extract seeds from flower heads?
To extract the seeds from the flower heads you can give the dried flower head a little shake into a bowl or other container. You will see small brown seeds jump out, each one of the seeds will produce a brand new plant.
When does lamb's ear flower?
Lamb’s ear will flower in late spring and right through summer. Towards the end of autumn the spent flower heads will be looking old and dry, this is when we harvest the seed.
Is lamb's ear perennial?
Lamb’s ear is an evergreen perennial ground cover. It has soft grey foliage that appears like a lamb’s ear, hence the name. In late spring through to summer, it produces flower spikes with purple flowers.
How to grow lamb's ears?
Here are seven steps: Plant 4-inch pots 18 to 24 inches apart in partial shade to full sun. Keep watered while plants get established. Grow in well-drained soil enriched with compost, but no additional fertilizer. Lamb's ears do not like rich soil.
How tall does a lamb's ear grow?
It grows 8 to 10 inches tall. It is more resistant to disease and performs well in hot southern gardens.
Why are lamb's ears called woolly betony?
Try Stachys byzantina, lamb's ears, aka woolly betony, so called because of its relationship with S. macrantha (big betony) and S. officinalis (wood betony.) No matter what the name, lamb's ears are plants people love to touch. Photo by: Shutterstock/Khairil Azhar Junos.
What is a good border plant for bees?
They were also once used as bandages and are reportedly helpful in relieving the pain of bee stings. Stachys byzantina, lamb's ears, make a great border plant. Stachys byzantina, lamb's ears, make a great border plant. Evergreen in warm climates, leaves shrivel and die in colder winters.
How to keep a plant from spreading?
Remove flowers before they set seed to help leaves recover, and stay soft and green. Remove rotted or dried foliage to prevent disease from spreading. Sow bugs are attracted to diseased foliage. Removing decayed leaves throughout the growing season will help discourage them.
Can lamb's ears grow in a garden?
Like many silvery plants, they are extremely drought tolerant. Perfect for rock gardens or a dry spot of average soil in a garden bed, lamb's ears are easy plants to grow. The leaves quickly form a soft mat of rosettes. They were also once used as bandages and are reportedly helpful in relieving the pain of bee stings.
Is lamb's ears a perennial?
Grow it as a short and attractive border for a garden devoted to children or to your own sense of touch. With easy care silvery foliage, this perennial is a must.
Why are lamb's ears called lamb's ears?
The name lamb’s ears comes from the shape of the leaves and the fuzziness of the coating on them , which resembles the ears of baby lambs. There are many varieties of lamb’s ear.
Is lamb's ear hardy?
Lamb’s ears is cold hardy in zones 4-8. Intense heat in the warmer zones can make growing it a challenge unless you have a lot of afternoon shade in your garden.
Can you grow lamb's ears indoors?
Good companion plants are dianthus, and day lilies. The plant also does well in containers in a pot that gets afternoon shade. It can be grown as an indoor plant, but will require quite a bit of light, so a south facing window is best. Be careful not to over water it if you grow Lamb’s ears indoors.
Do lamb ears need water?
If possible avoid getting too much water on the leaves, especially if you water in the afternoon. Once established, lamb’s ears requires little in the way of maintenance. Outdoors, it only needs extra watering when the temperatures are very high for days on end.