Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein')

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Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein'

A superior lamb's ear with exceptionally large, soft silver-gray leaves and a dense, spreading ground cover habit.

$16.90

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Description

Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein' (also sold as 'Big Ears') is a superior, low-growing perennial prized for its exceptionally large, soft, silver-gray, woolly leaves and low-maintenance ground cover habit. This vigorous cultivar forms a dense, spreading mat of oversized, oval to lance-shaped, felted leaves that are incredibly soft to the touch and retain their attractive silver color throughout the season, with less tendency to brown or melt out in humid conditions than the species. In late spring to early summer, it produces erect, woolly spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular, purplish-pink flowers that rise above the foliage, attracting bees and other pollinators. The crushed leaves release a subtle, earthy, herbaceous scent. With its excellent tolerance for poor soils, drought, and deer resistance, it is an outstanding choice for edging, rock gardens, dry borders, as a colorful ground cover, and in container plantings.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Exceptionally large, oval to lance-shaped, soft, silver-gray, woolly leaves; erect spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular, purplish-pink flowers in late spring to early summer .
Mature Height: 6-8 inches (foliage); flower spikes to 12-18 inches
Mature Spread: 18-36 inches (1.5-3 ft)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-10 ; Sunset 1-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in sun)
Core Benefits: Exceptionally large, soft silver-gray leaves, dense spreading ground cover, drought tolerant, deer resistant, low maintenance.
Best Uses: Ground cover, edging, rock gardens, dry borders, Mediterranean gardens, containers, slopes.

Faqs

Q: How is 'Helene von Stein' different from common lamb's ear?
A: It is a superior cultivar with much larger leaves that stay attractive longer and are less prone to browning or melting out in humid summer conditions. It also produces fewer flowers, keeping the focus on the foliage.

Q: How large does it get?
A: The foliage forms a low mat, typically 6-8 inches tall and spreading 18-36 inches wide. Flower spikes can reach 12-18 inches tall.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: Plant in full sun for the densest, most silver-gray foliage. It will tolerate light shade but may become greener and more open.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water. Good drainage is essential, as it will rot in wet, heavy soils.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, the soft, fuzzy, woolly leaves are generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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