Key Lime Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792

$28²⁷

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#1 Container

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Flowering, and Container Friendly

Specifications

Botanical Name

Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792
Height

1 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Growing Zones

4-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Purple
Leaf Color
- White
- Green
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Fragrant

Yes
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care Instructions

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.

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Growing Zones 4-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

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.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

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!

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

Key Lime Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina ‘Key Lime’ PP 36,792

Plant Sentry™

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Specifications