The Wollziest (Stachys byzantina) is popularly known as hare's or donkey's ear, in England and the USA as Lamb's Ear due to the leaf shape and texture. Originally native to poor soils in Turkey and Iran, the plant is relatively easy to cultivate in the garden.

Wollziest only needs a little water

How much water does the Wollziest need?

The eponymous factor in the Wollziest is the woolly, fine hairiness of the leaves and flower stalks, with which the plant protects itself from excessive drying out, even in full sun. Therefore, the Wollziest is well suited to cover dry hillside gardens with it. It hardly ever has to be watered, only in the case of extreme drought some water can be given during growth phases. Only when propagating by seed should you be careful not to let the seeds dry out too much during the germination phase.

When can the Wollziest be transplanted as compatible as possible?

In general, transplanting the Wollziest is possible in spring and autumn. Since the Wollziest is particularly strong-growing in spring, transplanting before new growth in spring brings the best results.

When and how is the Wollziest cut?

The Wollziest can be cut for various reasons:

  • to remove the inflorescences unwanted by some gardeners
  • to prevent further self-seeding in the garden
  • to achieve a compact growth form
  • as a caring spring cut to remove wilted and weakening plant parts

What diseases and pests threaten the health of the woolly ziest?

The Wollziest is generally rather insensitive to pests and diseases. Hares, rabbits and other rodents like to eat the leaves, which are non-toxic in moderation, so pets running loose in the garden can cause damage to the plants. Specimens that grow poorly or are affected by rot are usually either in a too little sunny or waterlogged location, or have to struggle with rainy weather periods.

Should the Wollziest be fertilized in the garden?

Fertilization is not necessary for the Wollziest, it thrives particularly well on poor soil. However, heavy and loamy soil should be loosened before planting and made more permeable with some sand or gravel.

How does the Wollziest overwinter?

The Wollziest is extremely hardy and can easily overwinter in a bucket on the terrace or in the garden bed. You do not need a cover or other winter protection with the Wollziest.

tips

If you bring the maintenance pruning a little earlier after flowering and cut off the flower stalks while they are still in full bloom, you will have considerable material for tying dried bouquets and autumn arrangements after they have dried.

Category:

Vegetable garden