General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot climates. Too much shade, however, may impede leaf drying and promote the onset of disease (see Problems section below). Drought tolerant. Avoid overhead watering. Spreads by creeping stems that root as they go along the ground and can be mildly aggressive in rich soils. Plant 12-18" apart for use as ground cover. Divide when necessary or to fill in bare patches.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This lamb's ear cultivar is grown primarily for its thick, soft, velvety, silvery leaves which typically form a rapidly spreading mat approximately 4-6" off the ground. Leaves are evergreen in warm climates, but will depreciate considerably in harsh winters. This cultivar is perhaps most noted for the fact that it rarely produces flower spikes. Dense rosettes of woolly, tongue-shaped, gray-green leaves (to 4" long) spread by runners. Leaf shape and texture resemble a lamb's ear, hence the common name.
Problems:
Tends to rot and develop leaf diseases in humid summer climates. Well-drained soils are essential in order to combat potential rot problems. Even with well-drained soils, some summer die-out may occur where high humidity and/or moisture on foliage is present.
Uses:
Foliage provides interesting texture and color to the border or rock garden. Effective edger or small area ground cover.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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