Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear

Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein'

Nature Hills Nursery

Larger Leaves than Standard Lamb's Ear for Maximum Touchable Texture
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$29⁶⁹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight for the best silver color and dense, sturdy foliage, or site your plant in partial afternoon shade in the hottest summer climates. Note that too much shade is a problem because it can trap moisture on the fuzzy leaves and lead to rot or fungal leaf spot.
Soil: Well-drained soil is absolutely non-negotiable for this perennial, as it prevents the root and crown rot that Lamb's Ear is prone to. It thrives in average to poor soil; if you have heavy clay, incorporate grit or compost generously before planting to ensure sharp drainage.

Watering Requirements

For the first season, water your new plantings regularly to keep the soil lightly moist as they establish their root systems. Once settled, this is a highly drought-tolerant plant that requires little supplemental water, so only provide roughly one inch per week during prolonged dry spells. The biggest mistake is overwatering, so always allow the soil to dry out completely between applications, and apply water at the base to keep the fuzzy leaves dry.

Pruning Tips

Lamb's Ear is grown for its spectacular foliage, so pruning is mainly a housekeeping matter to keep the mat tidy. Snip off any dead, yellowed, or tattered leaves near the crown throughout the growing season to encourage new growth and allow for better air circulation. If the plant becomes winter-worn, you can shear the entire patch back to the ground level in early spring before the fresh, velvety leaves fully emerge.

Fertilizer Needs

Skip the heavy feeding entirely, as this plant genuinely prefers lean, poor soil and does not need rich conditions to thrive. If you want to give it a boost, the best method is to apply a very light top-dressing of finished compost around the base of the plant in early spring. You must avoid any high-nitrogen fertilizer, as this will promote overly aggressive, floppy growth that is highly vulnerable to rot and disease.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Cuddly Texture for a Toddler’s Petting Garden

With a name like "Lamb's Ear", it's easy to understand why kids love it. Rubbing the velvety soft texture is simply an irresistible treat for small fingers! Plant this in learning gardens, at Grandma's house and absolutely anywhere a bold texture is desired.

You'll adore the look achieved when you mass these fuzzy favorites along the edge of your garden bed. Helene Von Stein (Stachys byzantina 'Helene Von Stein') boasts large leaves, gorgeous quick silver color, a mounding habit and easy care in well-drained soils.

They give a cool colored, silver accent for your full sun garden. Try planting them in 'drifts'. Dig your planting holes in a zig-zag pattern, not in a straight line for the best results with these

As if all that wasn't enough to convince you, please know that these plants produce long spires of dusky pink blossoms in summer. You'll want to check out Pinterest boards to learn how to create circular Autumn wreaths with the leaves, but why not leave the flowers for the butterflies? They'll simply cover these plants every year. Talk about a teachable moment for little ones!

Order yours today from Nature Hills!

Velvety, Silver Leaves
Drought Tolerant
Kids and Butterflies Love Them
Pink Dusky Blooms In Summer

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear survive in?

Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling both cold winters and hot summers with ease. This drought-tolerant perennial performs best in well-drained soil and full sun conditions. Plant in spring after your last frost date for best establishment.

How tall and wide does Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear grow at maturity?

Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear reaches 8-10 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide at maturity. This variety produces larger leaves than standard lamb's ear, creating an excellent low border or ground cover. Plant in drifts using a zigzag pattern for best visual impact, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear need to thrive?

Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear requires well-drained soil to thrive and avoid root rot. This drought-tolerant perennial performs best in average garden soil that doesn't stay soggy. Plant in raised beds or amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage.

How often should I water my newly planted Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear?

Water newly planted Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear daily for the first week, then reduce to every 2-3 days until established. This drought-tolerant perennial needs well-drained soil and can rot in wet conditions. Once roots are established in 4-6 weeks, water only during extended dry periods.

When does Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear bloom and what color are the flowers?

Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear produces long spires of dusky pink flowers in summer. The blooms attract butterflies while the silvery foliage provides beautiful contrast. Leave flowers for pollinators or cut for arrangements - shop at Nature Hills for this versatile perennial.

Is Helene Von Stein Lambs Ear deer resistant?

Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear is generally deer resistant due to its fuzzy, textured foliage that deer typically avoid. The velvety silver leaves are unappealing to most deer. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

Is this plant considered fast-growing, moderate, or slow-growing?

Helene Von Stein Lamb's Ear is a moderate grower that establishes quickly in its first season. It spreads steadily to form those desirable drifts without becoming aggressive. Plant in spring for a full display by summer when the pink flower spikes appear.