Care of the plant Stachys lanata or Lamb's-ear |
The genus Stachys, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of annual and perennial plants of cosmopolitan distribution. Some species are: Stachys lanata, Stachys officinalis, Stachys silvatica, Stachys grandiflora, Stachys affinis, Stachys coccinea, Stachys discolor, Stachys macrantha. Common names: Woolly hedgenettle, Lamb's-ear. This species is native to Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. They are perennial herbaceous plants that reach 50 cm (1.64") in height. They have hairy opposite silvery green leaves and lanceolate shape. The flowers are pink and appear in spikes. They bloom in spring and summer. Lamb's-ear is used in rockeries, curbs, mixed borders and in planters for balconies and terraces. It combines very well with Nepeta and Campanula. Stachys lanata needs full sun or semi-shade exposure (in very hot regions). It resists occasional frosts. The soil can be a normal garden soil with 1/4 coarse sand. The planting is done in spring. Water moderately (once a week in summer) with little amount of water; Stachys byzantina is a very resistant to drought plant. In winter cut watering in half. Prune the withered spikes so that the plant produces more flowers. Lamb's-ear does not need fertilizers. Stachys lanata is a plant very resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. Woolly hedgenettle is usually self-propagating by seeds but can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. |
Images of the plant Stachys lanata or Lamb's-ear |