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

Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear

1 Gallon

$16.90

1/4

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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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.

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.