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Public Plant Profile

Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear

Stachys byzantina 'Countess Helen von Stein Zeppelin'

Category: Perennial • Lamb's Ear

Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear is a drought-tolerant plant with soft foliage, ideal for borders and mass plantings.

Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Mature Width: 12-18 inches
Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Summer
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 4-8
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear is a perennial plant known for its soft, silvery-green foliage and dense, woolly texture. It produces spikes of small, purple flowers in summer, attracting pollinators.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Prefers moderate moisture levels.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is essential; adaptable to various pH levels but prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

bordermass plantingground cover

Special Features

Softfuzzy foliage; drought-tolerant once established.

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding texture to gardens; effective in dry areas. Can spread quickly, so consider spacing.

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Explore related plants, compare shape, texture, and overall planting style, and get a better feel for what may fit your own outdoor space.

Use this page to get a feel for where Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Helene von Stein Lamb's Ear a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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