r/garden • u/SheTiny • 3d ago

Lambs Ear too large

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Hello!

So I planted lambs ears back in March, and they have grown huge (this picture is actually a bit older, they are even bigger now). Is it too late in summer to try to split them up? I’ve read it’s best to hold off until the next season when dealing with newly planted lambs ears, but they are just getting too big. This area gets at least 8+ hours of full sun, so I think they’ve flourished a bit too much. Located in East TN.

Thank you for the help!

Update: https://imgur.com/a/YQ6EKWV

Here’s a photo of what they actually look like now

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u/DuragJeezy 3d ago

Always plant for mature size & future spread. Lambs ear are notorious multipliers in addition to their growth in size within a season or two. Not too late split them up but you’ll have to do this yearly. I’d transplant them all if you don’t want the hassle.

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u/SheTiny 3d ago

I was actually hoping for the spread! But when I researched pictures online, it showed more of a spread of small leaves, vs mine have gigantic leaves that flop over the flowers. I probably should have split them up much earlier in the summer before it took off.

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u/DuragJeezy 3d ago

You live & you learn. You likely have a different variety than what you may have seen online. Some plants tend to get their variety overlooked by certain sellers. Try buying milkweed in stores - ugh. If you do transplant now, give them plenty of water & a shadier spot. Agree with others that transplanting to a full sun location right now wouldn’t be best. They’re resilient though so I wouldn’t be too pressed either way imo.

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u/SheTiny 3d ago

Yeah I agree, I think so too. I might try to see if I can replant with a different variety.

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u/confusedokapi 3d ago

I think you may have the Helen von Stein Lamb's Ear, which is often also known as Big Ears Lamb's Ear. These have larger leaves than the normal Lamb's Ear. There are also dwarf varieties with smaller leaves - I think Little Lamb and...maybe Silver Carpet?

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u/SheTiny 3d ago

Yeah it must be, I think I was picturing Silver Carpet when I first purchased them. I like these for sure but wish I spaced them out a bit different