Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet' is a ground hugging cultivar of lambs ear prized for its dense mat of velvety silver foliage. Ideal as a soft low maintenance groundcover in dry sunny gardens.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, moderately fertile soil; prefers drier conditions
Watering Needs: Low; water sparingly once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to fuzzy texture and low scent
Native Status
Cultivar of Stachys byzantina, a species native to western Asia. Widely grown as an ornamental groundcover.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- May provide resting habitat for butterflies and shelter for caterpillars among its soft foliage.
Bees
- Though rarely blooming, flowering varieties are known for attracting wool carder bees who collect hairs from the leaves for nesting.
Hummingbirds
- Not a nectar source, but may indirectly support insect life that hummingbirds feed on.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart to form a tight carpet without overcrowding or trapping excess moisture.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for edging, between stepping stones, along dry borders, or as a living mulch. Its silver foliage provides contrast and texture in Mediterranean or drought tolerant gardens.
Companion Plants
- Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint) - Offers a pairing of soft textures and colors with spikes of purple blue flowers to contrast silver leaves.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Thrives in dry, sunny conditions and complements lamb’s ear with fragrant foliage and blooms.
- Salvia officinalis (Culinary Sage) - Provides a broader leaf texture and similar silvery tone, enhancing foliage diversity in herb or dry borders.
- Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - Adds fine texture and soft color, thriving in the same well drained soil and full sun exposure.
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) - An upright, woody herb that contrasts well with the softness of 'Silver Carpet' while sharing drought tolerance.