Lamb's ear?

Hi everyone,

I planted what I thought to be lamb's ear last spring. Well it is now pushing three feet and is covered in buds, of which the first one has bloomed. It is a nice small flower, kind of a purpley/pinkish colour, about 2 inches across, single layered petals.

Does anyone know what this is? It is very pretty, but I dont' think it is really a lamb's ear, and I was just wondering what it might be?

Carly
questnjurny@shaw.ca

[Newt]

Hi Carly,
Lambs ears do have tall spikes of purplish flowers. The leaves are soft and fuzzy. They reseed prolificly, so you might want to cut the flower heads off before they go to seed.

http://www.gaygardener.com/gardenspot/peren018.phtml

Newt

The flowers aren't in spikes, they are just little flat purpley flowers. I have seen a picture of it somewhere, but for the life of me, can't remember!

[Newt]

So the plant is not the one I sent you a picture of? Are the leaves soft and fuzzy and silvery? Can you post a picture of the plant?

Newt

The leaves are definitly soft and silvery though, and the same shape as the one in the picture. The plant is quite leggy this year, was only about 4 inches high when we planted it last year, and is now around 3ft. I am off to a dog show today, but will try to get a picture of it when I get home this evening to post. Thanks for your help!

carly

[Newt]

Carly,
I was typing to a friend and suddenly thought that you might have verbascum. They are biennials, have fuzzy leaves, grow to about 3' and have the type of flowers you describe. Take a look at these pictures.







Newt

they are beautiful! I have been pouring through my gardening books this evening and finally found out what it is! It is a rose campion (Lychnis coronaria). http://waddell.ci.manchester.ct.us/id_campion.html They sure look like lamb's ear when they are small, but they grow quite tall! Sounds like they are pretty easy to grow, which is what I am looking for! Thanks for all yoru help, will have to keep that verbascum in mind for the future!

[Newt]

I'm so glad you found it. Your lychnis is beautiful too! Sorry I couldn't save you some search time.

Newt