Contents
Description
The Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet, also known as Lamb’s ears, is a low-maintenance, fast-growing plant that is perfect for ground coverage. Its scientific name is Stachys Byzantina and it belongs to the family Lamiaceae. This plant is native to Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, and is widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world. The plant can grow up to 6-12 inches in height and spread up to 1-2 feet wide. The fluffy, silver-green leaves have a velvety texture and the flowers bloom in the summer, producing spikes of pink-purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Stachys |
Appearance
The Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet has soft, silver-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern, forming a dense mat that is perfect for ground coverage. The plant produces spikes of pink-purple flowers in the summer that attract bees and butterflies. The flowers are about 12 inches tall and grow above the foliage. The plant grows up to 6-12 inches in height and spreads up to 1-2 feet wide.
Care Guide
The Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
Habitat
The Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet is native to Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, where it grows in rocky, dry habitats. It is widely cultivated in gardens and parks around the world and is often used for ground coverage due to its low-maintenance and fast-growing nature.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet a perennial plant?
A: Yes, the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet is a perennial plant that can live for several years.
Q: Can the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet grow in partial shade?
A: Yes, the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet can grow in partial shade, but it prefers full sun.
Q: Does the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet produces spikes of pink-purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I water the Stachys Byzantina Silver Carpet?
A: Water the plant once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’
- Stachys byzantina ‘Primrose Heron’
- Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’
References
- “Stachys byzantina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f440
- “Stachys byzantina.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/23435/Stachys-byzantina/Details
- “Stachys byzantina Silver Carpet.” Gardenia.net. Accessed July 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/stachys-byzantina-silver-carpet-lamb-s-ears
