Key Lime Lamb's Ear

Looking for a chartreuse twist on a garden favorite? Meet Key Lime Lamb's Ear PP#36,792 (Stachys byzantina 'Key Lime') - a broad-leaved evergreen in mild winter climates that truly brightens up the garden. This low-growing perennial dazzles with its bold, lime-green foliage that stays vibrant from spring through fall. Growing just 8-10 inches tall but spreading 2-3 feet wide, it forms a lush carpet of velvety leaves that add texture, color, and softness to your beds and borders.

This variety takes the classic Lamb's Ear and supercharges it with citrusy tones that pop in the landscape. The fuzzy foliage is not only a visual treat but also fun to touch - kids and adults alike can't resist stroking those plush leaves. Its compact, mounding habit makes it an excellent groundcover or edging plant, and while it may produce occasional flower spikes, the real star here is the bold foliage color that holds steady without fading.

Native to the Middle East, Lamb's Ear has long been cherished for its silvery, fuzzy leaves thought to have medicinal uses in ancient times. 'Key Lime' is a modern twist, bred for brighter color and garden impact. Belonging to the Mint family (Lamiaceae), it shares kinship with Salvias, Catmint, and Russian Sage - all garden staples that thrive in sunny sites.

Key Features

• Brilliant lime-green, velvety foliage
• Grows 8-10 inches tall, spreads 2-3 feet wide
• Broad-leaved evergreen in mild winter regions
• Dense, mounding groundcover habit
• Drought-tolerant once established

Landscaping Uses

Key Lime Lamb's Ear brings bold contrast to perennial borders, pathways, and mixed plantings with its luminous leaves and soft texture.

• Garden edging or pathway border
• Low-maintenance groundcover
• Accent plant in perennial beds
• Bright foliage contrast for shrubs or Roses
• Excellent companion to purple, blue, and white flowers

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, Key Lime Lamb's Ear is a low-growing herbaceous perennial (and broad-leaved evergreen in mild zones). It thrives in sunny, dry sites and rewards gardeners with easy care and lasting foliage color. This plant is deer- and rabbit-resistant, making it a reliable choice for trouble-free gardening. Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal symbiotic root support.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Requirements: Full sun for best color, tolerates light shade
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, handles sandy or rocky sites. Avoid heavy clay and poor drainage
• Moisture Needs: Moderate to low - use the Finger Test - regular water is important during the first year, then occasional deep watering in times of need
• Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer
• Pruning Info: Remove spent flower stalks and trim back damaged leaves to refresh growth - deadheading optional
• Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and spread
• Special Perks: Deer- and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant, heat-loving, low-maintenance, evergreen in mild climates

Lime Time In The Garden

With its glowing foliage and soft touch appeal, Key Lime Lamb's Ear is a surefire way to add pop and personality to your garden design. Order your Key Lime Lamb's Ear today from and start enjoying its bright foliage!