Plant lamb's ears in full sun and soil that drains fast, in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Space them about 12 inches apart and they fill in quickly.
Where to Plant Lamb's Ears: Sun, Drainage and Cold Hardiness
The best place for lamb's ears is a spot in full sun with soil that drains fast, since wet, heavy soil makes their lower leaves rot. Lamb's Ears will survive winters as far north as the Great Lakes, northern New York, and along the Atlantic seaboard up to Maine (zone 4). They can withstand winter temperatures as cold as -10°F or more.
How to Plant Lamb's Ears From Nursery Pots
Plant lamb's ears in the spring when all danger of frost is past. Choose a sunny location and soil that drains well, particularly important in humid areas. These plants do poorly in wet, clayey soils, so build beds higher than the surrounding soil surface to improve drainage, and add lots of organic matter (such as compost, rotted manure, leaf mold, peat moss) to the soil for the same reason. If possible, loosen the soil 1 foot deep when preparing the bed for planting.
These plants can take soil on the dry side, and will grow in acid to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 5.5 to 7.5). Remove seedlings from their containers, checking to see if their roots are compacted. Loosen any matted or tightly wrapped roots. Dig holes that are wide enough to accommodate the spread roots and as deep as the container. Set plants into the holes, fill in with dirt, firming it gently around the plant stems, then water generously. Plant late in the day or on a cloudy day to minimize transplant shock. Space seedlings about 12 inches apart. They will spread and fill in quickly.
Growing Lamb's Ears in Containers
Lamb's Ears do well in containers with good drainage. The containers should be at least 1 foot deep. Combine them with plants having rich green foliage. Their silver color sets off blue flowers very nicely.
When to Transplant Lamb's Ears
Transplant lamb's ears in early spring or early fall. Dig up the clump, cut it into sections that each have some roots, and replant them about 12 inches apart. Plant late in the day or on a cloudy day to cut down on transplant shock, then water generously.
Planting Lamb's Ears in the Right Spot Saves Most of the Work
Planting lamb's ears in full sun and fast-draining soil heads off the problem they're best known for, rotting leaves in the middle of the patch. Raised beds and plenty of organic matter help where the soil is heavy. Once the plants are in, Caring For Lambs Ears covers watering, feeding and dividing.
