Should I let my lamb’s ear flower?
The trick to keeping Lamb’s Ears nice is not to let it bloom or, at least, to only allow a few blooms. The plant puts out a very long and heavy flower stem. It may look attractive at first, but then the flower flops over the top of the foliage and declines into an unattractive mass. Lamb’s ears is a ground-level perennial, admired for its silvery color and fuzzy texture. It loves hot, arid conditions, perfect for a waterwise garden. Its fuzzy, floppy foliage complements taller or spikier plants that don’t need much water.Lamb’s Ears are also used in container gardens and can be grown indoors as a houseplant. These plants are also edible; the leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach. The leaves taste slightly bitter but are rich in calcium, potassium, and iron.Symbolism: From Protection to Positivity Similar to how Lemon Balm is planted for balance and harmony, Lamb’s Ear can be seen as a guardian of the garden, warding off negativity with its soft, silvery leaves.Wildlife: While not a significant attractor of wildlife, its flowers can provide nectar for bees and butterflies. Toxicity: Lamb’s Ear is not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
Does lamb’s ear grow back every year?
Yes, lamb’s ear is a perennial plant that comes back every year. Sun & Soil – Best in full sun but tolerant of light shade. Provide well-drained soil; too much moisture may cause root rot. Watering – Once established, Lamb’s Ear is drought-tolerant. Water moderately during the first growing season, then only during prolonged dry spells.Although the best time to plant lamb’s ear is spring after the last frost, this perennial can be planted at any time until fall. Unless the soil drains well, amend it with compost. Plant the lamb’s ear at the same depth as the plants in the nursery container, spacing them at least 1 foot apart.Lamb’s Ear also works well in container gardens, adding softness and a pop of silvery-green color to mixed arrangements. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, Lamb’s Ear thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent option for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.Mulching is a crucial step in preparing Lamb’s-ear for winter. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, around the base of the plant. This mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and provides a barrier against harsh winter winds.Lamb’s ears require a sunny spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. The plant is not fussy about soil type but prefers a well-drained soil that doesn’t hold too much water after a rainstorm. In wet soil, lamb’s ears may rot.
Do lambs ear plants like sun or shade?
Lamb’s ear grows well in average, dry to medium, very well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Avoid overwatering as wet leaves invite disease, as do high-humidity summers. The plant likes some afternoon shade, particularly in the hot summer. Lamb’s ear will die back in the winter, but it usually rebounds in the spring. Shear the entire plant at the soil level at the end of the growing season to maintain its health and growth habits.Lamb’s ear plants do spread, but not aggressively. They can easily be trimmed back or pulled out to keep them contained. In the summer, the plants will send up spikes with flowers. Some gardeners prefer to cut these off to preserve the plant’s look and shape.Mullein leaves are much larger and more elongated than lamb’s ear, especially in mature plants. Harvest mullein at the right stage. First-year rosettes are best for leaf harvest; second-year plants are ideal for flowers and stalks. Lamb’s ear spreads enthusiastically.Flowering lamb’s ear varieties can also spread through self-sowing, which can be controlled by deadheading the flower stalks.The most common use of the lamb’s ear plant is its leaves, which are used for medicinal purposes. Its leaves have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties.
What are the health benefits of lamb’s ears?
Antioxidant content: Lamb’s ear contains antioxidants, which may help prevent heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases by fighting free radicals in the body. Source of iron and phosphorus: The iron and phosphorus it contains can support blood health and contribute to energy production in the body. Rich in vitamin C: Lamb’s ear is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. High fiber content: Thanks to its high fiber content, it can support intestinal health, improve digestion and help control weight by increasing the feeling of fullness.The nutrition in lambs liver is very high as most are packed with protein, thiamine, folate, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, omega 3 and several B vitamins to help build muscle, store energy and boost stamina and endurance.
Is lamb’s ear safe to touch?
Lamb’s Ear is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian. Stachys byzantina (syn. S. Monty plant or woolly hedgenettle, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.Woolly hedgenettle, also known as lamb’s ear, combines perfectly with roses in the flower bed. Moreover, the hardy woolly hedgenettle is not poisonous and can be easily propagated even by beginners.Lamb’s-ear plants are perennial herbs densely covered with grey or silver-white hairs which will attract Wool Carder Bees (Anthidium mancatum). Unusually, females of this distinctive species line their nests with plant hairs that they collect from the leaves of of Lamb’s-Ear.