No, you cannot split a Lambs Ear. Lambs Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a perennial flowering plant that has fuzzy, soft leaves and grows up to 18 inches tall in full sun or partial shade. The leaves are greyish-green in color and have a woolly texture that makes them resemble the ears of a lamb.
The flowers are small and occur in spires mostly during late spring. The plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, and is considered an evergreen perennial in the south. Lambs Ear does not tolerate division well and can be difficult to split.
It is best to propagate the plant by stem cuttings in the spring, since this will produce the same type of plant as the parent.
When can I split lambs ear?
Lambs ear typically needs to grow for at least one season before it can be split or divided. This is so that it can grow a strong enough root system that can support the newly divided parts. Typically, it should be divided in the spring or early summer months, before the plant goes into its annual dormancy in the late summer and early fall months.
When dividing lambs ear, you should use a sharp spade and dig up the entire plant. Carefully break apart the root ball, making sure that each new division has a healthy root system. Once divided, the new sections can be replanted in well-draining, nitrogen-rich soil and given at least 1-2 inches of water each week.
When replanting, be sure to give the new plants some protection from harsh sun, as they may be more prone to sunburn.
Can you grow lambs ear from a cutting?
Yes, you can grow lambs ear from a cutting. Start by taking a cutting from an established, healthy plant—the cutting should be about six to eight inches in length. Cut the cutting just below a node or where new growth is emerging from the stem.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or gel. Then, place the cutting in a pot filled with potting soil. Water well and place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist but not wet and check for roots in about two to four weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden.
Can lambs ear be divided in the fall?
Yes, lambs ear can be divided in the fall. The best time to divide lambs ear is in the spring or early summer, however, it can also be done during the fall months. When dividing the lambs ear, make sure to use a sharp shovel or spade and space the pieces with at least 12 inches in between them.
Make sure each piece contains a good portion of roots. After dividing the lambs ear, water the plants generously and continue to monitor the moisture levels in the months to come. Mulch around the plants after they’ve been watered to help preserve moisture.
If temperatures do not get too cold in the fall season, then the plants should survive the winter. If it gets too cold, wrap them with a layer of burlap or fabric to keep the roots warm.
Can I divide lambs ear in summer?
Yes, you can divide lambs ear in the summer. It’s best to do it right after the flowering season and when the leaves start to look less vibrant. If you divide your plant into sections with small clumps of leaves and roots, you should be able to transplant them into a larger area of your garden.
Make sure to water your newly divided plants immediately and also keep an eye on them for the first few weeks as they will need extra water during this time. After a few weeks, you should be able to care for them as usual.
What can you do for overgrown lambs ear?
If a lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) is overgrown, it may be time to prune it back. Pruning can help promote bushy, full growth and prevent it from taking over your garden. Pruning should be done in early spring before the plant blossoms.
Start by cutting off the dead stems, which are often brown or gray in color. Then, selectively remove additional stems from the outer edges of the plant, since this is where new growth will occur. Be sure to leave a bit of stem attached to each cut stem so that new growth can emerge.
Prune the stems to the desired shape or size, but try to leave a nice balance of leaves and stems. After pruning, the newly pruned lamb’s ear should look fuller and livelier.
Why is my lambs ear so tall?
The height of your lambs ear likely has to do with the plant’s environment. Depending on the variety, the plant can grow quite tall and bushy, up to two-and-a-half feet tall. Lambs ear prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, as well as full sun or partial shade, so it is important to provide it with the right habitat in order to achieve its full potential.
Additionally, older lambs ear can develop a sturdy stem, allowing it to grow upright. If yours has been planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, it is likely taking advantage of its ideal environment and is thriving.
Finally, lambs ears are known to produce a lot of foliage and it may be that the extra leaves are creating the tall look.
Should you cut flowers on lambs ear?
No, it is not recommended to cut flowers from lambs ear plants. Lambs ear, also known as Stachys byzantina, is an ornamental perennial in the mint family, valued for its soft foliage. This plant typically has fragrant purple flowers.
However, it may be beneficial to leave the flowers of the lambs ear plants intact. When left alone, the flowers will attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plus, deadheading the flowers can be labor intense and damaging to the plant as a whole.
Therefore, it is best not to cut the flowers. Instead, trim the foliage to keep the lambs ears looking neat, but leave the flowers to benefit the environment.
Is lamb’s ear easy to grow?
Yes, lamb’s ear is fairly easy to grow. It is a low-maintenance perennial that reseeds itself, allowing it to spread easily across a garden. Lamb’s ear requires well-drained soil in a full-sun location, although it can tolerate partial shade.
It is tolerant of extreme temperatures, but it prefers cooler climates. To increase the size of your lamb’s ear bed, divide the plant every three years in the spring or fall. It can also be propagated from seed, but division is usually the easiest route.
With its deep green leaves, lamb’s ear is a great choice for an ornamental garden, as well as a natural way to discourage weeds. Additionally, its soft leaves can make an interesting addition to flower arrangements.
How long does it take for lambs ear to germinate?
Lambs ear plants, also known scientifically as Stachys Byzantina, typically take about 10-14 days to germinate. It is necessary to ensure that the soil stays moist at all times during this period to ensure germination.
If the temperature is warm (60-70°F) and the conditions are right, you may see sprouts within 7-10 days. To keep the moisture levels consistent, cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the area evenly well-watered.
The plants should start sprouting within a couple of weeks of planting. They will quickly become established and start to spread out across a larger area. Additionally, they can take between 3-6 months to reach full maturity.
How do you get seeds from lambs ear?
Getting seeds from lambs ear is relatively easy. You can wait until the flowering season, usually between late spring and early summer. The flowers will turn into seed heads after they are pollinated.
The seed heads should start to dry out and turn brown. Carefully cut the stem and place the seed head in a bag. Remove the dried seed head and shake it to get the seed free. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
Alternatively, you can purchase the seeds from a garden center or online.
Should lambs ear be cut back in the fall?
Yes, lambs ear should be cut back in the fall. This is especially important if the lambs ear has started to die back, which usually happens during the fall months. Pruning lambs ear in the fall allows the plant to re-focus its energy on producing new foliage.
Cutting back the dead foliage also reduces the potential for disease and pest problems. When pruning, it is important to make sure the cuts are done cleanly and that all dead foliage is removed. It is also important to leave some live leaves on the plant if possible to help it regrow.
After pruning, it is important to fertilize the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
Will lambs ear survive winter?
Lambs ear is a hardy, perennial plant that can survive extreme conditions. While its leaves may die off in winter, the roots will survive and regrow in the spring. To ensure that the lambs ear survives winter, mulching may be necessary.
Mulch provides an extra layer of insulation for the plant’s roots. Additionally, if winter temperatures dip below 20°F, you may need to give it some extra protection to keep it from freezing. This can be done by covering the roots with burlap, straw, or another insulation material.
Keep in mind, however, that too much insulation can sometimes cause the plant to smother and die. Ultimately, providing the right amount of insulation and mulch is the best way to make sure your lambs ear survives the winter.
Where is the place to plant lambs ear?
The best place to plant lambs ear is in a well-draining, full sun area with plenty of space for the plant to grow. The soil should be light, sandy, and somewhat acidic (pH of 6. 0 to 6. 5) with plenty of organic material mixed in.
If you are planting in your garden, spacing plants 12 to 18 inches apart should allow them to fill in nicely. Don’t forget to water your lambs ear plants regularly, as they prefer moist but not soggy soil.
If you’d like to feature them as an outdoor or indoor accent, they can be planted in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough to allow the plants to spread and mature.
Does lamb’s ear come back every year?
Yes, lamb’s ear comes back every year. This tough, evergreen perennial is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and is known for its fuzzy leaves and clusters of small purple flowers. It can grow up to 24 inches in height when in bloom and will fill in quickly, creating a soft carpet of foliage in your garden.
Lamb’s ear is drought-tolerant and can handle extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for dry, sunny spots in your garden. The foliage is covered in small, soft hairs that can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, so you should use gloves when handling it.
Despite this, it’s an easy-care plant that will come back faithfully every year. With minimal care, it will need very little attention, making it a great addition to any garden.