Stachys byzantina

Low growing perennial with soft, velvety, silver leaves which form a rapidly spreading mat. Leaves are evergreen in warm climates. Erect, small-leaved flowering stems with terminal spikes of insignificant, tiny, purplish-pink flowers appear in summer rising above the foliage. Can remove the flowering stems to enhance the ground cover effect. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Plants are generally drought tolerant. Avoid overwatering. Spreads by creeping stems that root as they go along the ground and can be mildly aggressive in rich soils.