Quick Facts

• Mature size: Approx. 300–500mm high x 600–800mm wide

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Foliage: Large, soft, silvery-grey, velvety leaves

• Flowering: Summer (flowers often insignificant)

• Flower colour: Pale pink to lavender

• Climate tolerance: Heat, frost, and drought tolerant

• Water needs: Low once established

• Maintenance: Low

Why You’ll Love it

Stachys ‘Big Ears’ is prized for its bold, oversized silvery foliage, making it an excellent textural contrast in borders and perennial plantings. The thick, velvety leaves form a spreading, ground-hugging clump that softens hard edges and complements both flowering perennials and ornamental grasses. While it does produce small flower spikes in summer, this variety is primarily grown for its foliage impact. Tough, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow, ‘Big Ears’ is ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens, dry borders, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Planting & Care Tips

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for best foliage colour

• Prefers well-drained soil; avoid heavy or waterlogged conditions

• Water during establishment, then sparingly once established

• Remove flower stems if you wish to maintain a foliage-focused display

• Cut back tired leaves in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth

• Ideal as a groundcover, edging plant, or foliage contrast in mixed plantings