Lamb's Ear | Flora Macabre

by Razakiel Bane October 10, 2024

Table of Contents

Fundamental Lamb’s Ear Facts

Scientific Name	Stachys byzantina
Common Aliases	Lamb's Ear, Donkey's Ear, Woolly Betony, and Woolly Hedge Nettle
Pet Safe?	Yes
Toxicity	Stachys byzantina is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, though some animals may have mild allergic reactions to the fuzzy leaves
USDA Hardiness Zone	4-8
Beneficial Species Pairings	Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Salvia (Salvia spp.), Sedum (Sedum spp.), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Roses (Rosa spp.), Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Growth Rate	Moderate
Mature Size	0.5 to 1.5 feet (23-46 cm) in height; 1 to 1.5 feet (30-46 cm) spread

Lamb’s Ear Care Requirements

Light Requirements	Direct sunlight; can tolerate indirect bright light or dappled shade
Temperature Range	60-75°F (15-24°C), but can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C) in winter
Repotting Frequency	If growing in a container, repot if the plant becomes rootbound or every 2 years to replenish nutrients in the soil
Soil Type	Prefers a well-draining garden soil mix that's rich in calcium carbonate.
Soil pH	pH 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly alkaline)
Preferred Humidity Level	Low
Watering Frequency	Infrequent: Water when the top inch or 2 of the soil is dry. This plant is drought-tolerant and does not do well in wet conditions.
Preferred Watering Methods	Base watering (avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent rot)
Air Circulation	Good air circulation helps to prevent fungal diseases
Fertilizer Types	Balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall)
Fertilizing Frequency	Timed release at the beginning of the season is adequate; monthly for other types
Terrarium Plant?	No

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Lamb’s Ear Notable Needs

Signs of Dormancy	Plants may go dormant in colder climates (late fall through winter months) Leaves may die back during dormancy period
Seasonal Care Adjustments	Reduce watering and protect from excessive moisture during winter months
Support Requirements	None
Pruning Requirements	Minimal; remove any dead or damaged foliage when present
Cleaning Requirements	None
Pests to Watch For	Slugs and Caterpillars
Potential Diseases	Powdery mildew and Leaf rot is common in high humidity

Lamb’s Ear Propagation

Propagation by Seed	Yes
Seed Timing	Early spring or autumn
Seed Steps	Collect seeds from mature plants after the flowers have dried and the seed heads have formed. Prepare a well-draining seed starting mix. A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or vermiculite works well. Fill seed trays or small pots with the seed starting mix. Moisten the mix before sowing the seeds. Lightly press the seeds into the soil surface (spaced evenly to avoid overcrowding). Do not cover them with soil as they need light to germinate. Place the trays or pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy or wet. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil as opposed to soaking. Check the seeds regularly for signs of germination. This may take take 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. or an outdoor garden. Care for the seedlings as you would mature plants.
Propagation by Division	Yes
Division Timing	Spring or autumn
Division Steps	Water the plant thoroughly a day before you plan to divide it. This helps to reduce stress on the plant and makes it easier to handle. Carefully dig up the entire plant, being mindful not to damage the roots. Inspect the root system. Look for healthy, white roots and dispose of any sections that appear rotten or diseased. Look for natural divisions in the root ball. Each division should have a healthy root system and a few shoots. Using a clean, sharp knife or garden spade, divide the root ball into sections. Make sure each section has enough roots and shoots. Prepare a well-draining soil mix. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse builder's sand works well. Plant each division in its own hole or pot. Position the roots so they are spread out and covered with soil. Firm the soil around the base to secure it in place. Place the plants in a location with bright indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Continue to care for the divisions as you would mature plants, gradually acclimating them to full sun once new growth is apparent.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings	Yes
Stem Cuttings Timing	Spring or early summer
Stem Cuttings Steps	Select a healthy, mature stem free from pests and diseases. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut below a node, taking a 4-6 inch cutting. Ensure the cutting has a few leaves but is not overly lush, as energy should go to rooting. Place the cuttings in a dry, shaded area for a few hours to allow the cut ends to callous over. This helps prevent rot when planted. Prepare a well-draining soil mix. A mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite, coarse builder's sand, or vermiculite works well. Insert the calloused end of the cuttings into potted soil so that the node is 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Firm the soil around the base to secure them. Place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Water sparingly. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain moderate to low humidity around the cuttings. Do not cover with plastic. Roots should start to develop within a few weeks to a couple of months. Once new growth is apparent, continue to care for the cuttings as you would mature plants, gradually introducing them to more sunlight.
Propagation Notes	Stachys byzantina is relatively easy to propagate as long as proper humidity levels are maintained.

Where to Buy Lamb’s Ear Seeds

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