Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina 'Cotton Boll') is a frost-hardy perennial grown for its thick, soft, velvety silver-gray foliage that spreads into a low, dense mat 4-6 inches off the ground. In late spring through early summer, tiny purplish-pink flowers emerge on upright stems rising 10-15 inches above the leaves. Hardy from zones 4-8, this low-maintenance ground cover thrives in full sun with moderate water and tolerates drought, poor soils, and urban conditions once established. The 'Cotton Boll' cultivar performs better in humid climates than most Stachys byzantina varieties, making it a reliable choice even where moisture lingers.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-8
18in H x 18in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The real draw here is the foliage, not the flowers. Those thick, woolly silver-gray leaves feel as soft as their common name suggests and form a rapidly spreading mat that suppresses weeds and stays evergreen in milder winters. This cultivar stands apart because it handles humid summer conditions better than typical lamb's ears, resisting the rot and leaf spot that plague other Stachys byzantina selections in damp climates. Full sun and good drainage are non-negotiable, but once established, it asks for almost nothing: no fertilizer, no fussing, just reliable color and texture from spring through fall.
Lamb's Ear excels as a ground cover in sunny beds and borders, its silvery foliage creating luminous contrast against darker plants. It naturally spreads to fill gaps and soften hard edges, and gardeners often let it naturalize across dry, sunny slopes where little else thrives. Many cultivators remove the flowering stems to keep focus on the velvety leaves, though some appreciate the delicate pink flower spikes that add vertical interest in early summer.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow on the soil surface or barely press into moist seed-starting mix at 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit; seeds need light to germinate. Maintain consistent moisture and expect germination in 10-14 days. Grow seedlings in bright light and cool conditions to prevent leggy growth.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant after all danger of frost has passed when soil is workable. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to account for their spreading habit. Water gently after transplanting and keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks until roots establish.
Direct sow seeds in spring after soil becomes workable and temperatures reach 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Scatter seeds on well-prepared, bare soil and press lightly into contact; do not bury. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they develop their first true leaves.
Many gardeners remove the flowering stems mid-summer to enhance the foliage display and redirect the plant's energy toward leaf production rather than seed set. Simply cut flowering spikes back to the base when they fade or whenever you prefer a tidier appearance. In spring, remove any winter-damaged leaves by gently cleaning away dead growth from the previous season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.