Growing Lamb's Ears

Lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina)

Many gardeners are acquainted with the wooly leaf perennial called lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina). It is native to Europe and Asia (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Summer heat and humidity takes its toll on lamb's ears, particularly in Southern climes.

Lamb’s ear (S. byzantina) forms a dense mat of woolly silver-gray leaves. Plants grow 12 -15 inches high by 18 inches wide. Spikes of purplish pink flowers appear on tall stems in early summer that detract from the foliage and, in my opinion, should be pruned off. Bloom stalks tend to re-develop and necessitate more pruning.

The cultivar ‘Countess Helene von Stein’, aka ‘Big Ears’ is the preferred choice as it exhibits showier velvety foliage, is more heat and humidity tolerant, and best of all, it rarely flowers (sorry bees!). Over time, it forms wider mounds and seedlings (from blooming species) will spread to other areas. The species develops a messy appearance and asks for pruning after flowers have quit.

Both types of Stachys are easily grown in moist well-drained soils and full to part day sun (6 hours or more recommended). Soils should be kept evenly moist, but established plants exhibit moderate drought tolerance. Plants spread by underground stolons. Set multiple plants 12-18 inches apart as a ground cover.

No serious disease or insect pests trouble lamb's ears. Pollinators can't resist the striking midsummer colorful floral spikes. Deer and rabbits generally stay away. Snails and slugs may be troublesome in wet summers.

Uniquely Different Franklinia Tree

Franklinia at NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC

Franklinia (Franklinia altamaha) is a U.S. native large shrub or small tree to 10-25 feet tall. Rated hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, the tree seems best suited in zones 6 to 7.

Success with growing franklinia depends on purchasing a quality nursery plant, proper siting, and care, particularly during the first 2-3 years. Franklinia is only available from e-commerce nurseries and is best planted from late winter to early summer.

The species was first discovered growing in 1765 growing along the banks of the Altamaha River in southeastern Georgia by botanists John and William Bartram. The tree has been extinct in the wild since 1803. All franklinia trees are descendants from seedling propagated by the Bartrams in their Philadelphia, PA garden. Franklinia belongs to the tea family (Theaceae) and is closely related to Camellia, Stewartia and Gordonia (loblolly bay). The tree was named to honor Benjamin Franklin.

The tree’s most striking feature is its showy 2 – 3 inch pure white flowers with clusters of golden yellow stamens in the centers. Franklinia’s camellia-like flowers appear from late summer until frost. The blooms are sweetly-fragrant upclose.  Narrow, oblong-obovate, glossy dark green 3-5 inch long leaves turn several shades of orange, red and purple thru the autumn season. Branching is upright and spreading to create an open airy appearance. Ridged grey bark with prominent vertical white striations adds slight winter interest.

Franklinia grows best grown in humus rich, medium moisture, moderately acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.2) and well-drained soils and in full sun (in North) to partial shade (in Southeast). Franklinia prefers sites similar to azaleas and rhododendrons.

Fertilize in early spring with an acidic based soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro®, Miracid®, or Hollytone®. Franklinia also favors an annual feeding of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) @ 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water per tree.

Franklinia is valued as a specimen or a collector’s tree. Wilt and soil root rot (Phythoptera) are the serious problems. Proper siting of this unique tree is absolutely crucial. It is notoriously finicky to transplant because of its sparse fibrous root system.