Also known as Lamb's-Ear · Lamb's-Ears · Lamb's-Lugs
Woolly hedgenettle (Stachys byzantina) is a hardy perennial valued for its soft, silvery foliage and spikes of purple flowers, perfect for edging and ground cover.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8; prefers average room temperatures.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Generally does not require much fertilizer; overfeeding can be detrimental.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water woolly hedgenettle moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions, especially for container-grown plants.
Prune after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage denser growth. Deadhead spent flower spikes to prevent self-seeding if unwanted.
In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to promote new growth.
Propagate Stachys byzantina by division in early spring or autumn. It can also be grown from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds can be sown in spring, but cultivars may not come true from seed.
Repot container-grown Stachys byzantina every two to three years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Woolly Hedgenettle (Stachys byzantina)
Where Woolly Hedgenettle (Stachys byzantina) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
| Species | Stachys byzantina |
Similar in genus Stachys
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
