About

Stachys lanata is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Stachys, notable for a dense coating of woolly, silver leaves. It sends up erect flowering stems that carry small, light purple blooms from June to September. Plants are often evergreen in mild winters but may die back and regrow from the crown after severe cold. The foliage is the principal garden feature, with the summer spikes providing a secondary display.

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

In the garden

Stachys lanata is a woolly-leaved perennial within the Stachys genus that originates from parts of the Transcaucasus and neighbouring regions and is cultivated more widely across temperate gardens. It has been recorded under related names in horticulture and is grown chiefly for its distinctive leaf texture rather than for showy flowers. The plant forms a dense layer of grey-silver hairs over the leaves and produces erect, spike-like stems bearing small, light purple flowers between June and September. It commonly behaves as an evergreen in milder winters but can die back where temperatures are severe, regenerating new growth from the crown the following season. Use Stachys lanata where tactile foliage is appreciated and viewed close to, such as along paths, at the front of borders or in gravel beds; the flower spikes add seasonal vertical interest but the woolly leaves provide long-season structure. The dense woolly leaf cover is the lasting feature gardeners value once the pale purple spikes have finished in September.

More in the Stachys genus

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  Stachys 'Hidalgo'
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  Stachys albens
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  Stachys alpinalimestone woundwort
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  Stachys arvensisfield woundwort
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  Stachys byzantinalamb's ear
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  Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll'lamb's ear 'Cotton Boll'
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  Stachys chrysantha
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  Stachys coccineascarlet woundwort