Lambs ear is a vigorous grower.
It isnt on the USDA invasive plant list, but it can become troublesome unless it is carefully contained.
Lambs ear produces creeping stems that root along the soil, creating dense mats of foliage.
Credit: Stephen Cridland
The roots arent thick, so the plants can be pulled up where you dont want them.
This spreading habit makes lambs ear agood choice for a groundcoverin full sun or poor soil situations.
Lambs ear also readily reseeds itself, soremoving the flower stalksbefore they go to seed reduces spreading.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Where to Plant Lambs Ear
Plant lambs ear in dry-to-medium soil that is not particularly rich.
The plant quickly becomes aggressive when it is grown in rich soil.
Thesoil must drain well; lambs ear wont tolerate soggy soil.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
Choose a full-sun or part-sun location with some shade in the afternoon.
It is attractive in a border, bed, or container or as a groundcover.
Unless the soil drains well,amend it with compost.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Firm the soil around the roots with your hands.
Water new plants until established; then, limit water to 1 inch per week.
Lambs Ear Care Tips
Light
This plant performsbest in full sunbut can withstand shade.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It looks greener in the shade because it produces fewer dense hairs.
Soil and Water
Lambs ear varieties withstand poor soil conditions and drought.
One thing it doesnt tolerate is soggy soil.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
If the soil is dry, give the plant about 1 inch of water weekly.
Heat is not a problem for lambs ear.
However, select a planting location with at least some partial shade in desert locations is best.
Credit: Perry L. Struse
Low humidity is best for this plant.
In places with high humidity, the plant is susceptible to leaf rot.
Fertilizer
Lambs ear doesnt like rich soil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It is best to avoid giving the plant any fertilizer.
Prune any dead or damaged leaves as they occur.
Repeat the process whenever you see more dead leaves or about twice a year.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
The plant can stand harsh pruning if needed and is difficult to kill.
If it isnt receiving at least eight hours of sun daily,add a grow lightto the plants environment.
Let the plant dry out completely before watering.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
How to Propagate Lambs Ear
The quickest way to propagate lambs ear is todivide the plant.
In the spring, lift the entire plant and root ball from the ground.
Using your hands or a sharp knife, pull the plant into sections.
Credit: Illustration by Helen Smythe illustrator
Plant the divisions immediately and water them.
Keep the soil moist for a couple of weeks, and then water sparingly when it doesnt rain.
Harden off the seedlings before moving them outside.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
In early summer, upright stems bloom bearing cerise-magenta flowers.
It grows 18 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-8.
It seldom blooms, so it requires little deadheading.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Mature plants grow 8-10 inches tall.
Today, its mainlygrown to draw pollinators to the garden.
The plants attractive flowers are reddish purple and lure bees.
Credit: Janet Loughrey
Mature plants grow to about 2 feet tall.
Zones 4-8
Rosea Wood Betony
Stachys officinalisRosea is a lighter pink version of wood betony.
Mature plants grow to about 2 feet tall.
Zones 4-8
Big Betony
Stachys macranthabears purple flowers from early summer to fall on 2-foot stems.
It grows just 1 foot tall in bloom, with a spread of about 8 inches.
Deadhead spent flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Tall varieties look especially appropriate among shrubs.
Add black-eyed Susan to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens for a naturalized look.
Average soil is sufficient, but it should hold moisture fairly well.
The flowers are borne on leafless stems.
The strappy foliage may be evergreen or deciduous.
Fabulous Fall-Garden Plan
Create a burst of fall color in your landscape with this easy-care garden plan.
Count on this easy-care garden to stay looking good through dry spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deer and rabbits leave them alone.
Containing lambs ear in a garden bed is an ongoing job.
In the summer, lamb’s ear attracts many bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.
Butterflies and hummingbirds also love the blooms.
Mice and voles are known to dine on lamb’s ears.
Watch for gnaw marks on the plants stem and pathways in the surrounding soil.
Traps and strong odors like scented oil can reduce the damage.
