Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear
Stachys lanata 'Silver Carpet'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Drought tolerant
Humidity
Prefers dry conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' is a low-growing perennial prized for its dense, woolly, silver-gray foliage that forms a mat-like ground cover. It is a non-flowering or sparsely flowering cultivar. This cultivar is distinguished by its velvety, silvery foliage that creates a striking, soft-textured ground cover, making it highly ornamental and drought-tolerant.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring
- Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant
- Provide full sun for best growth
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 2-3 years in early spring or fall
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape plant
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater, avoid soggy soil ❌
- Heavy fertilization, which can reduce drought tolerance
- Neglect pruning, which can lead to legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear questions
What zones can Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear grow in?
Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear deer resistant?
Yes — Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear bloom?
Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear typically blooms in summer (infrequent) through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear need full sun?
Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Stachys to compare
Fuzzy Wuzzy Lamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina 'Fuzzy Wuzzy'
Hummelo Betony
Stachys officinalis 'Hummelo'
Lamb's Ear
Stachys lanata
Lamb's Ear
Stachys byzantina
Wood Betony
Stachys officinalis
Large-flowered Betony
Stachys macrantha
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Hardy in your zone?
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