Overview
Stachys byzantina is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Stachys, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Stachys byzantina grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Plants are very often found under the synonym Stachys lanata or Stachys olympica. It is cultivated throughout much of the temperate world as an ornamental plant, and is naturalised in some locations as an escapee from gardens. Lamb's-ear flowers in late spring and early summer; plants produce tall spike-like stems with a few reduced leaves. The flowers are small and light purple. In the wild it grows across North America, Iran, Krym, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus and other regions. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stachys byzantina
About the genus
Stachys is a genus of plants, one of the largest in the mint family Lamiaceae. Estimates of the number of species vary from about 300 to about 450. Plants of the World Online accepts 373 species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Stachys", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Stachys
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Stachys
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Stachys byzantina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stachys byzantina
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Stachys byzantina?
Stachys byzantina prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Stachys byzantina need?
Stachys byzantina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Stachys byzantina grow?
Stachys byzantina reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Stachys byzantina hardy in the UK?
Stachys byzantina has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Stachys byzantina?
Seed, Division.
More in the Stachys genus
Browse all Stachys →
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