Stachys byzantina
Lamb’s Ears
Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Ground covers, Perennials
STACHYSThese mint-family members have the typical square stems and leaves in opposite pairs; foliage ranges from rough textured to furry. Except for Stachys macrantha, the species described here have short-stalked or stalkless leaves. Spike-like clusters of small, usually two-lipped flowers bloom in late spring and summer; blossoms are attractive to bees.
Native to Caucasus, Iran. To 1 1/2 ft. high, spreading freely by surface runners. Dense, ground-hugging rosettes of soft, thick, rather tongue-shaped,woolly white leaves to 4–6 in. long. Blossom stalks 1– 1/2 ft. high bear small purplish flowers; many gardeners feel that these detract from the foliage and so cut off or pull out flowering stems. Continued rains can mash plants down and make them mushy, and frost can damage foliage, but recovery is strong.
Nepeta cataria
From the Mediterranean and western Asia. To 2–3 ft. high and wide, with downy, heart-shaped, too...
Geranium cinereum 'Laurence Flatman'
Slightly larger than the species. Light lavender blossoms display reddish central blotches between red...
Verbena bipinnatifida
Native from western Great Plains to Mexico. To 8–16 in. high, 1/2 ft. or wider. Finely divided l...
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