Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) adds texture and softness to gardens with its velvety, silver-gray foliage. Its leaves look and feel like a lamb’s ear—hence the name. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for Wisconsin gardens.
Low Maintenance & Reliable
Gardeners love Lamb’s Ear for its low maintenance and drought tolerance. Once established, it needs little water and resists deer and rabbits. Furthermore, it is hardy in zones 4 to 8, it handles Wisconsin winters well if planted in dry soil.
Choose from several standout varieties. ‘Helen von Stein’ grows broad, tidy leaves and rarely flowers, perfect for groundcover. ‘Silver Carpet’ forms dense mats and offers minimal flowering. Prefer a bloom? ‘Cotton Boll’ sends up soft, woolly flower spikes that attract pollinators.
Use Lamb’s Ear at the front of borders to soften edges and invite touch. It pairs well with coneflowers, salvia, catmint, and grasses. The silver leaves contrast beautifully with dark foliage or evergreens.
Kids love this plant in sensory gardens. Because its texture invites interaction, and its soft color calms busy garden designs. Plant Lamb’s Ear in sunny, dry spots to help it thrive. It tolerates partial shade but spreads less in those conditions.
Good Drainage is Key
Avoid wet locations, especially in winter. Poor drainage can cause rot and kill the plant. Cut back spent flower stalks and trim unruly leaves to keep it looking fresh.
Lamb’s Ear works in rock gardens, border edges, or mixed perennial beds. It’s especially useful in drought-prone areas where other plants struggle. Markedly, its foliage stays attractive from spring through fall.
With proper placement, Lamb’s Ear delivers season-long texture and softness. It’s a reliable, beautiful addition to any Wisconsin landscape.
Contact Us
Landmark Landscapes of Sheboygan Falls, WI is a full-service landscape company. Based out of Sheboygan County, with a Green Lake, Wisconsin satellite office. We are centrally located and uniquely positioned to serve the areas of Sheboygan, Elkhart Lake, Fond Du Lac County, Green Lake County, Ozaukee County, Manitowoc County, and Door County. We can manage your property with our Total Property Care system, and design and build projects large and small. Contact us today at 920-467-6442 to learn how we can care for you.
