Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Common Name: Lamb’s Ear ‘Silver Carpet’
• Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading
• Height: 15-30 cm (6-12 inches)
• Spread: 30-45 cm (12-18 inches)
• Foliage: Silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves
• Flower Color: Pink to purple
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining, average soil
• Uses: Ground cover, edging, rock gardens, containers

Description:

Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ is a charming perennial valued for its attractive foliage and ground-hugging habit. It forms a dense mat of silvery-gray leaves that are soft to the touch, resembling the texture of lamb’s ears, hence its common name. The leaves are oval-shaped and densely covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety appearance.

Key Features:

• Silvery Foliage: The standout feature of Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ is its striking foliage. The silvery-gray leaves are densely packed and have a soft, fuzzy texture, adding texture and interest to the garden. The foliage retains its color and appeal throughout the growing season, making it an excellent choice for year-round interest.
• Low-Growing Habit: ‘Silver Carpet’ has a low-growing and spreading habit, making it ideal for use as a ground cover or edging plant. It forms a dense mat of foliage that suppresses weed growth and helps to stabilize soil on slopes or in rocky areas. The plant can also be grown in containers or used to fill gaps in rock gardens.
• Pink to Purple Flowers: In late spring to early summer, Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ produces small, tubular flowers on upright stems. The flowers are typically pink to purple in color and emerge above the foliage, adding a delicate splash of color to the garden. While the flowers are not the main feature of the plant, they provide additional visual interest and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Drought Tolerant: Lamb’s Ear ‘Silver Carpet’ is well-adapted to dry conditions and is drought tolerant once established. It prefers well-draining soil and thrives in sunny locations, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens or areas with hot, dry summers. The plant is also deer resistant, making it suitable for gardens where deer browsing is a concern.
• Easy to Grow: One of the key benefits of Stachys byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’ is its ease of cultivation. It requires minimal maintenance and is relatively pest and disease resistant. The plant is long-lived and can spread slowly over time, filling in gaps in the garden with its attractive foliage.