Stachys byzantina, commonly known as Lamb’s Ear, is a highly popular silver foliage groundcover loved for its soft, velvety leaves and exceptional performance in Australian gardens. Its distinctive woolly texture and pale silver-grey colour make it a standout choice for Mediterranean-style gardens, modern landscapes, cottage gardens, and water-wise designs.
Highly adaptable and drought tolerant once established, Lamb’s Ear thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, making it ideal for warm climates across NSW, VIC, SA, and WA. Whether planted as a border, mass groundcover, or contrast plant, Stachys byzantina delivers year-round visual impact with minimal maintenance.
Why Choose Stachys byzantina?
- Soft, velvety silver foliage with strong textural appeal
-
Drought tolerant once established
- Excellent performance in full sun
- Low-growing, spreading groundcover
- Ideal for Mediterranean, coastal, modern & cottage gardens
- Low maintenance and easy to grow
Perfect for Australian Gardens
Stachys byzantina is exceptionally well suited to Australian conditions. Its thick, fuzzy leaves reflect heat and reduce moisture loss, allowing it to thrive in hot, dry areas where many other plants struggle.
It is commonly used in:
- Silver and grey-themed gardens
- Low-water and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Border edging along paths and garden beds
- Mass plantings for architectural impact
- Mediterranean-style and coastal gardens
Growing Conditions & Care
Sun
Prefers full sun for best colour and compact growth. Will tolerate light shade.
Soil
Requires well-draining soil. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils, which can cause root rot.
Water
Low water requirements once established. Water sparingly and avoid overwatering.
Maintenance
Very low maintenance. Remove spent flower stems and older leaves to keep plants looking tidy.
Size
- Height: approximately 30–40 cm
- Spread: approximately 60–80 cm
Flowers
In warmer months, Lamb’s Ear produces upright spikes of small purple flowers that rise above the foliage. While subtle, they add seasonal interest and attract pollinators.
Common Names
- Lamb’s Ear
- Lambs Ear Plant
- Silver Lamb’s Ear
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stachys byzantina drought tolerant?
Yes. Once established, Lamb’s Ear is highly drought tolerant and ideal for water-wise gardens.
Does Lamb’s Ear spread?
Yes. It forms a low-growing, spreading mat, making it an excellent groundcover without being invasive.
Can Stachys byzantina grow in pots?
Yes, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is not overwatered.
Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
Yes. Its silver foliage handles sun, wind, and coastal conditions very well.
Looking for a hardy, low-maintenance silver groundcover? Stachys byzantina is a proven favourite for Australian gardens, offering texture, contrast, and drought tolerance all year round.