Also known as Lamb's Ear · 668 saves
Stachys
Stachys, the genus most gardeners know as lamb's ear. We track 14 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Stachys varieties
Browse all 14 Stachys varieties →
5 species of Stachys
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Stachys in Sow
Save the Stachys you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Stachys
Whats common across all Stachys varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them.
The Stachys year
- DivideMarch and September93% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if the center starts to die out
- DeadheadJune and July86% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes if a neat, foliage-focused look is desired
- Spring CleanupFebruary79% of varieties
Remove any brown or mushy foliage damaged over winter
- PruneFebruary36% of varieties
Cut back old flower stems and foliage close to the ground
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water moderately during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering
Avoid
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged
What goes wrong with Stachys
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage, yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or miticide |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering, brown roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Stachys
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring
- Replant divisions at same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist soil and keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks.
Stachys questions
How many types of Stachys are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Stachys varieties. The most popular — ranked by 668 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Stachys grow in?
Across its varieties, Stachys covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Stachys bloom?
Most Stachys varieties bloom in early to mid-summer, summer (infrequent), late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Stachys should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.