Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet')

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet') is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial known for its dense, woolly silver foliage that creates a stunning ground cover. Unlike many lamb's ear varieties, this selection produces little to no flowers, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer a purely foliage-focused plant.

Distinctive Features

'Silver Carpet' forms a thick, spreading blanket of silver-gray leaves that provide season-long interest. The foliage is soft and velvety, creating a tactile element in the garden while also reflecting light for a striking visual effect. This variety stays lower to the ground than standard lamb's ear, reaching just 6 to 10 inches in height with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. It resists humidity better than other cultivars and is ideal for filling in bare areas with its dense, weed-suppressing growth.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils.
• Water: Low water requirements; drought-tolerant once established.
• Humidity: Performs better than other lamb's ear varieties in humid conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9, making it widely adaptable.

Ideal Uses

• Ground Cover: Spreads into a dense, silvery mat.
• Rock Gardens: Provides texture and contrast in arid landscapes.
• Edging and Pathways: Creates a soft, silvery border.
• Container Gardens: An excellent choice for low-maintenance patio pots.
• Deer-Resistant Gardens: Naturally repels deer and rabbits.

Low Maintenance Care

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is an easy-care, drought-tolerant perennial that requires minimal upkeep.

• Watering: Water occasionally during dry spells; prefers drier soils.
• Pruning: Trim back any damaged or browned foliage as needed.
• Fertilizing: Minimal feeding required; thrives in lean soils.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to pests, deer, and rabbits.
• Winter Care: Cut back dead foliage in early spring for a fresh start.

Why Choose Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear?

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a drought-resistant, low-growing ground cover with stunning silver foliage.

• Dense, Low-Spreading Growth: Forms a lush, weed-suppressing mat.
• Striking Silver Foliage: Reflects light for a bold garden accent.
• Drought-Tolerant: Thrives in dry soils with minimal care.
• No or Minimal Flowering: Focuses on foliage rather than blooms.
• Easy to Maintain: Requires little care beyond occasional trimming.

For a vibrant, low-maintenance ground cover that offers season-long interest, Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet') is an excellent choice.