Should Lambs Ear Be Cut Back in the Fall?
When to prune lamb's ear involves a trade-off between preventing rot and providing natural winter insulation. Learn the best timing for a healthy plant.
Lamb’s ear, known scientifically as Stachys byzantina, is recognized for its thick, fuzzy leaves that have a soft, wool-like texture. As the growing season concludes, gardeners often debate the best time to prune the plant, considering whether a fall cleanup or a spring trim is more beneficial for its health and appearance.
Benefits of Cutting Back Lamb’s Ear in the Fall
One of the primary reasons to cut back lamb’s ear in the autumn is to prevent diseases. The plant’s dense, hairy leaves can trap moisture during wet fall and winter weather, leading to rot and fungal issues at the crown. Removing the old, matted foliage improves air circulation around the base, which helps keep the plant healthy.
A fall trim also contributes to a tidier garden aesthetic throughout the winter. Instead of leaving behind browned and decaying leaves, pruning reveals the fresh, silvery new growth at the plant’s base. This cleanup removes potential hiding spots for pests that might otherwise overwinter in the dead foliage.
Reasons to Wait Until Spring for Pruning
Leaving the foliage on your lamb’s ear plant until spring can offer an advantage. The old leaves act as a natural mulch, providing insulation for the plant’s crown. This layer helps protect the central growing point from harsh winter temperatures and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which is useful in colder climates.
The unpruned foliage can also provide a habitat for beneficial insects seeking shelter during the cold months. Waiting until spring to remove the dead leaves ensures the plant has protection during its dormancy. When warmer weather returns and new growth begins to appear, the old foliage can then be safely cleared away.
How to Properly Cut Back Lamb’s Ear
Whether you decide to prune in the fall or spring, the method is the same. Use a pair of clean, sharp garden shears or scissors to avoid tearing the plant’s stems. The main goal is to remove any foliage that is brown, slimy, or dead to prevent the spread of rot.
Make your cuts at the base of the plant, being careful not to snip the crown, which is where new growth emerges. You will often see small, silvery leaves at the center of the plant; these should be left untouched. Simply clear away the decaying outer leaves to tidy up the plant and promote its continued health.