Overview
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' 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 'Silver Carpet' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include front of borders and ground cover. It is native to Asia Minor.
About
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' (lamb's ear 'Silver Carpet') is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae family. It features evergreen foliage and grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, spreading between 0.5 and 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing aspects and tolerates both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. 'Silver Carpet' is notable for its interest during the winter season.
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, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' 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
- Front of borders, ground cover
- Native to
- Asia Minor
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'?
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' need?
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' 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 do I prune Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'?
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' grow?
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' 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 'Silver Carpet' hardy in the UK?
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' 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 'Silver Carpet'?
Division, seed.
