Key Lime Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792

Plants that Work®

Vibrant Key Lime Foliage Sets this Lamb's Ears Plant Apart from Traditional Silver Varieties
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$33⁴⁷

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this plant full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily, to maintain that signature vibrant lime color. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shadow will cause the stems to stretch and the foliage to lose its brilliant chartreuse hue, turning a duller green.
Soil: Excellent drainage is non-negotiable for this plant because its fuzzy roots will rot quickly in soggy ground. It thrives in average, rocky, or sandy soils that stay on the drier side. If you have heavy clay, you must amend it heavily with compost or pea gravel to create air pockets, or simply plant it in a raised bed where you can control the drainage.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water consistently to help the roots establish, checking the soil moisture weekly with your finger. Once established, Key Lime Lamb’s Ear is incredibly drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between drinks. Always water at the base of the plant rather than overhead; getting water trapped in those fuzzy leaves encourages rot and powdery mildew.

Pruning Tips

You can think of maintaining this plant like giving it a seasonal cleanup. In early spring, cut back any ragged or winter-damaged leaves to make room for the fresh, lime-green foliage emerging from the center. During summer, you can snip off the purple flower spikes as soon as they fade (or even before they bloom) to keep the plant’s energy focused on producing those big, soft leaves.

Fertilizer Needs

This plant is a light feeder and actually performs better without too much pampering. Apply a thin layer of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring to wake it up. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers or heavy feeding late in the season, as this causes the stems to become weak and floppy rather than forming a tight, tidy mat.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Flowering, Container Friendly
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792
Species	byzantina
Cultivar	Key Lime
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Looking for a chartreuse twist on a garden favorite? Meet Key Lime Lamb's Ear PP#36,792 (Stachys byzantina 'Key Lime') - a broad-leaved evergreen in mild winter climates that truly brightens up the garden. This low-growing perennial dazzles with its bold, lime-green foliage that stays vibrant from spring through fall. Growing just 8-10 inches tall but spreading 2-3 feet wide, it forms a lush carpet of velvety leaves that add texture, color, and softness to your beds and borders.

This variety takes the classic Lamb's Ear and supercharges it with citrusy tones that pop in the landscape. The fuzzy foliage is not only a visual treat but also fun to touch - kids and adults alike can't resist stroking those plush leaves. Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent groundcover or edging plant, and while it may produce occasional flower spikes, the real star here is the bold foliage color that holds steady without fading.

Native to the Middle East, Lamb's Ear has long been cherished for its silvery, fuzzy leaves thought to have medicinal uses in ancient times. 'Key Lime' is a modern twist, bred for brighter color and garden impact. Belonging to the Mint family (Lamiaceae), it shares kinship with Salvias, Catmint, and Russian Sage - all garden staples that thrive in sunny sites.

Key Features

Brilliant lime-green, velvety foliage
Grows 8-10 inches tall, spreads 2-3 feet wide
Broad-leaved evergreen in mild winter regions
Dense, mounding groundcover habit
Drought-tolerant once established

Landscaping Uses

Key Lime Lamb's Ear brings bold contrast to perennial borders, pathways, and mixed plantings with its luminous leaves and soft texture.

Garden edging or pathway border
Low-maintenance groundcover
Accent plant in perennial beds
Bright foliage contrast for shrubs or Roses
Excellent companion to purple, blue, and white flowers

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Key Lime Lamb's Ear is a low-growing herbaceous perennial (and broad-leaved evergreen in mild zones). It thrives in sunny, dry sites and rewards gardeners with easy care and lasting foliage color. This plant is deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it a reliable choice for trouble-free gardening. Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

Planting Time: Spring or fall
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best color, tolerates light shade
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, handles sandy or rocky sites. Avoid heavy clay and poor drainage
Moisture Needs: Moderate to low - use the Finger Test - regular water is important during the first year, then occasional deep watering in times of need
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer
Pruning Info: Remove spent flower stalks and trim back damaged leaves to refresh growth - deadheading optional
Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and spread
Special Perks: Deer- and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant, heat-loving, low-maintenance, evergreen in mild climates

Lime Time In The Garden

With its glowing foliage and soft touch appeal, Key Lime Lamb's Ear is a surefire way to add pop and personality to your garden design. Order your Key Lime Lamb's Ear today from NatureHills.com and start enjoying its bright foliage!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Key Lime Lamb's Ear?

Key Lime Lamb's Ear grows 8-10 inches tall and spreads 2-3 feet wide, forming a dense mounding groundcover. This compact size makes it perfect for edging pathways or filling in gaps between larger perennials without overwhelming nearby plants.

How much water does Key Lime Lamb's Ear require, and is it drought-tolerant?

Key Lime Lamb's Ear is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. During its first growing season, water regularly to help roots develop, then reduce frequency as it adapts. Once mature, it thrives with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial.

Will Key Lime Lamb's Ear survive hot, humid summers without dying back?

Key Lime Lamb's Ear is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling summer heat well. Its velvety foliage stays vibrant spring through fall without fading. Provide good drainage and morning sun with afternoon shade in the hottest climates.

Does Key Lime Lamb's Ear need fertilizer, and how often?

Key Lime Lamb's Ear thrives without regular fertilization and actually prefers lean soils. This drought-tolerant perennial performs best when not overfed, as rich conditions can cause the foliage to lose its vibrant lime color. Apply a light compost topdressing in early spring if desired.

Can Key Lime Lamb's Ear be grown successfully in containers or pots?

Key Lime Lamb's Ear thrives in containers with its compact 8-10 inch height and spreading habit. Choose a wide pot (18+ inches) to accommodate its 2-3 foot spread in zones 4-8. Ensure good drainage and full sun for best lime-green color. Shop this unique groundcover at naturehills.com.

How far apart should I plant Key Lime Lamb's Ear for ground cover?

Plant Key Lime Lamb's Ear 18-24 inches apart for groundcover, as each plant spreads 2-3 feet wide. This spacing allows the plants to fill in naturally within 1-2 growing seasons while preventing overcrowding in zones 4-8.

Key Lime Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792