If your lambs ear has outgrown its spot or you simply want more of its soft, silvery foliage in your garden, knowing how to transplant lambs ear is a key skill. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to move your plant successfully, ensuring it thrives in its new home.
Transplanting is best done in the cooler parts of the growing season. This gives the plant time to settle in without the stress of intense heat. With just a little preparation, you can propagate new plants and manage your garden layout easily.
Lambs ear is a tough perennial, but following the right method makes all the difference. Let’s get your garden trowel ready.
How to Transplant Lambs Ear
This process focuses on moving established clumps to a new location. We’ll cover dividing them in a later section. The best times to transplant are early spring or early fall.
What You’ll Need
- A sharp garden spade or shovel
- A garden fork (very helpful)
- Pruning shears or sharp scissors
- Watering can or hose
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Mulch (like straw or shredded bark)
Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions
1. Prepare the New Planting Hole
Always dig the new hole first. This minimizes the time the plant’s roots are exposed. The hole should be about twice as wide as the expected root ball and just as deep.
Mix some compost into the soil you removed. This improves drainage and gives the plant a nutrient boost. Have a bucket of water nearby.
2. Water the Lambs Ear Thoroughly
Give the plant a good drink a day before you plan to move it. Well-hydrated plants handle transplant shock much better. Damp soil also holds together better around the roots.
3. Dig Up the Plant
Use your spade to cut a circle in the soil around the plant, about 6 inches out from the base. Push the spade deep to get under the root system.
Gently lever the plant up. If the soil is compacted, use the garden fork to loosen it. Try to keep the root ball intact as much as possible.
4. Lift and Inspect the Root Ball
Carefully lift the plant from the ground. Shake off only the loose soil. Look at the roots—if you see any that are dark, mushy, or damaged, trim them off with your shears.
This is also a good time to remove any dead or yellowing leaves from the plant itself. It helps the plant focus its energy on new root growth.
5. Place in the New Hole
Set the lambs ear into its new hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Do not plant it too deep, as this can cause crown rot.
Backfill the hole with your soil-compost mix. Gently firm the soil around the base with your hands to remove any large air pockets.
6. Water and Mulch
Water deeply immediately after planting. This settles the soil around the roots. Continue to water regularly for the first few weeks, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around the plant. Keep the mulch a little away from the central crown to prevent moisture buildup and rot.
Caring for Your Transplanted Lambs Ear
Placement is crucial. Lambs ear prefers full sun to partial shade and must have well-draining soil. It is very drought-tolerant once established but needs more frequent water after moving.
Avoid overhead watering if you can. Water at the base to keep the fuzzy leaves dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases. A little afternoon shade in very hot climates can prevent leaf scorch.
How to Divide Lambs Ear
Division is the best way to propagate new plants. It also rejuvenates older clumps that may have a dead center. Follow the same initial steps to dig up the entire plant.
Simple Division Steps
- Shake or wash off excess soil so you can see the root structure.
- Look for natural seams or separate rosettes in the clump.
- Use your hands, a sharp knife, or the edge of your spade to gently pull or cut the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and several leaves.
- Replant these divisions right away, following the transplanting steps above. You can pot up extras to share with friends!
Common Problems After Transplanting
- Wilting: Some wilting is normal. Provide shade for a day or two if it’s very sunny and keep the soil moist.
- Leaf Scorch: Brown or crispy edges can mean too much sun or wind exposure during recovery. It doesn’t hurt the plant long-term.
- Rot: If the center becomes mushy and black, the soil is too wet or the crown was planted to deep. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
FAQ About Transplanting Lambs Ear
Can you transplant lambs ear in the summer?
It’s not ideal. If you must, do it on a cloudy, cool day and be prepared to water frequently and provide temporary shade. The plant’s survival rate is lower.
How far apart should I space lambs ear plants?
Space them about 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives them room to spread and fill in, creating that desirable soft, groundcover effect.
Why is my transplanted lambs ear dying?
The most common causes are overwatering (leading to root rot) or planting in soil that doesn’t drain well. Check that the soil is damp, not soaked, and that the crown is at soil level.
When is the best time to move lambs ear?
Early spring or early fall are the absolute best times. The mild temperatures and natural rainfall help the plant establish with minimal stress.
Can you grow lambs ear from cuttings?
Yes, but division is easier. You can take stem cuttings in late spring, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a sandy mix. They usually root within a few weeks if kept moist.
Final Tips for Success
Lambs ear is a resilient plant, so don’t be to nervous about moving it. The key factors are timing, good drainage, and proper planting depth. Always amend poor soil with organic matter before you plant.
Remember to trim the flower spikes after they bloom unless you want the plant to self-seed. This encourages the plant to put its energy into those lovely soft leaves. With this guide, you can confidently manage and spread the beauty of lambs ear throughout your garden.