HELENE VON STEIN GIANT LAMBS EAR -

9-12 Inches Tall 18-24 Inches Wide--

Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein' (also widely known as 'Big Ears') is a superb, oversized cultivar of the classic Lamb's Ear that offers a bolder texture and greater garden reliability. It is prized for its massive, velvety leaves that are twice the size of the standard species, reaching up to 8 or 10 inches in length. The foliage is covered in dense, silver-white woolly hairs, creating a soft, shimmering appearance that feels like felt to the touch. Growing 9 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches, it forms a dense, weed-suppressing mound of cool, silvery-green.

One of the greatest advantages of 'Helene von Stein' is its improved resistance to "melting out" in the heat and humidity of summer, a common issue with other Lamb's Ears. Additionally, it is valued for being largely non-flowering; it rarely produces the tall, lanky flower spikes seen in the species, allowing the plant to maintain its clean, uniform, and architectural foliage display throughout the entire growing season.

For the brightest silver color and the healthiest foliage, plant 'Helene von Stein' in a location that receives full sun. It is an exceptionally drought-tolerant and rugged perennial that thrives in average to poor, well-drained soil. In the landscape, its bold texture and neutral silver tone make it a perfect "weaver" plant, helping to blend bright colors or soften the edges of a sunny border, rock garden, or walkway.

Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein'

Full Sun

green foliage

Zone: 4