Stachys bizantina (lamb’s ear)
 
Lamiaceae
Hardy perennial
Sun to light shade
Ht. 50cm
1L recycled plastic pot
 
Stachys is a lovely ground cover plant that has soft downy silver grey leaves. In late spring it produces tall fuzzy flower spikes with pale pink/purple flowers. It likes a sunny position with well drained soil and tolerates poorer soils. Definitely benefits from division and rejuvenation after a handful of years.  Removing the flower spikes early can encourage better foliage growth, especially when getting established.
 
Notes on cutting
 
Adds lovely texture and silver colour to arrangements and flowers at a valuable time of year between spring flowers and summer flowers. Pick in the cool of the day and if to be used out of water at any time make sure stems are mature. Flower stems can be picked and dried, or look lovely as winter interest if left in the garden.