I’m Soft as Silk & Tough as Nails

Perennial of the Week: Stachys – Lamb’s Ears & Betony

The Stachys family of plants includes some real softies, including Betony and Lamb’s Ears. These tough-as-nails perennials are cultivated worldwide for their soft, silvery foliage and their flowers. Stachys affinis, the Chinese Artichoke, is grown for its edible tuber.

Many varieties of Stachys have soft, fuzzy leaves that bring to mind the shape and texture of a lamb’s ear. However, some forms are less woolly.

When he named this plant family in the 18th century, Linnaeus selected a Greek name that means “an ear of grain.” This refers to the tendency of many Stachys varieties to grow flower spikes.

Stachys will tolerate dry soil conditions – even drought – and resists deer and rabbits. They are great plants for beginners, as they are easy to maintain. Plant Stachys in a sunny spot and enjoy the show!

Stachys varieties include Big Ears, Hummelo, Pink Cotton Candy, and more!

Big Ears is also known as Stachys Helene Von Stein. Von Stein, Germany’s Countess Von Zeppelin, was known for her work as a horticulturist. The plant that carries her name yields few flowers, but produces larger, thicker foliage than the commonly grown form of Lamb’s Ears.

Silver Carpet is a non-flowering variety of Stachys with smaller leaves and finer texture than Helene Von Stein.

Stachys monieri “Hummelo” does not have fuzzy leaves, but has beautiful upright, lavender-purple flowers atop tall, leafless stems in late May and June. It is a perennial workhorse and is reliable from year to year.

Stachys officinalis “Pink Cotton Candy” has beautiful pink two-toned flowers for up to two months during the summer. It is more compact and tidy than “Hummelo,” but makes a beautiful addition to the border or foreground of a sunny perennial garden.

Many of these varieties are Rohsler’s Grown. That means the plants are raised right here in our fields in Allendale. Stop in today, and make one of these versatile plants part of your landscape!