Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) is a favored, low-maintenance perennial, celebrated for its unique, soft, silvery foliage. Its velvety leaves, reminiscent of a lamb’s ear, create a distinctive textural element in garden beds and make it a popular choice for sensory gardens. This guide offers clear instructions for successfully transplanting Lamb’s Ear, helping gardeners expand its presence or relocate existing clumps.
Preparing for Lamb’s Ear Transplant
The optimal time to transplant Lamb’s Ear is during early spring or fall, when temperatures are cooler. Spring transplanting, after the last frost, allows the plant to establish its root system before intense summer heat. Fall transplanting helps roots settle before winter, especially in mild climates. These seasons minimize transplant stress, promoting healthier establishment.
Gardeners transplant Lamb’s Ear to divide overgrown clumps, relocate plants, or propagate new ones. Lamb’s Ear spreads vigorously, and division every two to four years helps maintain plant health and prevent overcrowding. Overcrowding can hinder proper airflow and increase disease risk. A visual cue for division is when the center of a wide-spreading plant begins to die out.
Select a new planting site with full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Lamb’s Ear requires well-draining soil, preferably a sandy or loamy mixture, as it is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Prepare the new hole to be twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Watering the new site a day or two before transplanting can also help prepare the soil.
Gather the necessary tools beforehand. You will need a shovel or spade, a gardening trowel, a watering can, and gardening gloves. For transporting the plant, a wheelbarrow or tarp can help protect the root ball during relocation.
Transplanting Lamb’s Ear Step-by-Step
Begin by thoroughly watering the existing Lamb’s Ear plant a day before moving it. This deep watering helps hydrate the plant, making its root ball more cohesive and easing its removal from the soil. This reduces the risk of transplant shock.
When digging, carefully work a shovel or spade around the plant’s perimeter, at least 6 to 8 inches from the base, to preserve a generous root ball. Dig down to loosen the soil around the main root system. If dividing an overgrown clump, use a sharp, clean shovel or a serrated knife to separate sections, ensuring each new division has healthy roots. Handle the plant by the root ball, not the foliage, to minimize damage.
Once lifted, transport the plant to its new location promptly, keeping the root ball intact and protected. A tarp or wheelbarrow can prevent the roots from drying out or being damaged. Minimize the time the roots are exposed to air to reduce plant stress.
At the new site, place the Lamb’s Ear into the pre-dug hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Positioning it at the same depth it was previously growing helps prevent stem rot or crown burial. Backfill the hole gently with the amended soil, firming it lightly around the roots to eliminate air pockets that could dry out the root system.
Aftercare for Transplanted Lamb’s Ear
Immediately after planting, thoroughly water the newly transplanted Lamb’s Ear to settle the soil around its roots and provide immediate hydration. This initial watering helps remove any remaining air pockets and ensures good soil-to-root contact, which is important for nutrient and water uptake.
For the first few weeks following transplanting, maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Avoid overwatering, as Lamb’s Ear prefers well-drained conditions and is susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent excess moisture.
Monitor the transplanted Lamb’s Ear for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. If wilting occurs, ensure the plant is adequately watered. If conditions are very sunny or hot, consider providing temporary shade during the hottest part of the day. Removing damaged or unhealthy foliage after transplanting helps the plant direct its energy toward root establishment and new growth.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Ensure the mulch does not cover the plant’s crown, as this can trap moisture and lead to rot. New growth is a positive indicator of successful establishment.