Lambs'Ear Spikes

I've had Lambs' Ear for about 5-6 years now, and I've never seen them do this. What gives? Do they only do it every few years? I have seen a spike or two, but never any color (buds?). I want to cut these off, because they're very heavy and beginning to sort of fall over. Will it work to pot them? Anyone ever done that? Did the heads sprout? The spike itself is very hard and stiff, unlike the LE itself. Usually, I just wad up some pieces that pull up when I'm cleaning old leaves out from under the plant, or cut a big pot of it into fourths, and bury them. It starts sending up shoots immediately, so I'm just wondering about these woody stems.

In 12 years I've only had them bloom once, it's a shame, such pretty bloom spikes! Sorry, I can't help with the rooting. I let mine go to seed that year and they spread everywhere the rain took them. If you don't mind risking the seed, it doesn't sound like you'd have anything to loose by trying. Do let us know if it works, please :0)

This message was edited May 26, 2011 1:37 PM

Well, I've already potted five or six of them just like I always do the regular plant--just completely covered them and watered, so we'll see. BTW, those spikes are covered with bees.

They are blooming for you, so be happy and thankful.

Yes, Josephine, they are pretty and so unusual looking (to me, anyway).

It is nice that the bees like them, but there is a variety that doesn't produce a flower spike called "Helene von Stein" I like it for the soft leaves, not the spike. I bought it last year and so far it is making a nice soft edge.

All of my lamb's ear mounds have had the tall flower spikes for at least 6 weeks covered in bees. The bloom was light purple. But they have gotten very heavy and flopping over after rain and wind storms, so I've started cutting the spikes off low to the ground. Have no idea if that is the best way to handle it.

And I would love to have some of the variety that doesn't produce flower spikes. Will have to add that to my little shopping notebook because I'm doing good to remember my own name much less the official plant names.

Mine have always bloomed. I also let mine go to seed, but I think it will be too dry this year for them to spread. Of course, I could be wrong.

I saw it for sale at Marshall Grains today. $8 for a quart. If you are patient, maybe I can separate mine next year.