Overview
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Stachys, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, borders and rock gardens. It is native to Armenia, Iran and Turkey.
About
Stachys byzantina, the lamb's-ear Monty plant or woolly hedgenettle, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. It is cultivated throughout much of the temperate world as an ornamental plant, and is naturalised in some locations as an escapee from gardens.
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
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, borders, rock gardens
- Native to
- Armenia, Iran, Turkey
- Fragrance
- faint, woolly scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid wet conditions to prevent root rot.
- Pruning
- Remove old leaves in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Division, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Caterpillars
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid wet conditions to prevent root rot.
Where is the best place to plant Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'?
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' need?
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'?
Remove old leaves in early spring to encourage new growth.
Is Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' hardy in the UK?
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'?
Division, cuttings.
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More in the Stachys genus
- Stachys coccineascarlet woundwort
- Stachys germanica
- Stachys lanataLamb's Ear
- Stachys macranthaBig Betony
- Stachys macrantha 'Superba' or 'Robusta'Woundwort
- Stachys officinalisBetony
- Stachys officinalis 'Alba'White Betony
- Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'Betony