Lamb’s ear is a soft, fuzzy perennial plant that is a favorite in many gardens. While it makes a great groundcover and borders in the yard did you know you can also dry lamb’s ear to preserve that beautiful texture? Dried lamb’s ear has many creative uses for home decor wedding bouquets, holiday crafts and more.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple process of drying and preserving lamb’s ear leaves and then look at how to turn your harvest into charming decorations. Read on to learn all the steps for enjoying this versatile plant indoors and out
Why Dry Lamb’s Ear?
Lamb’s ear gets its name from its extremely soft, velvety leaves that feel just like a lamb’s ear. The foliage emerges in a silver-gray color with a slight sheen. As it dries, lamb’s ear retains its supple texture and muted color beautifully.
Drying allows you to extend the life of lamb’s ear and enjoy that delicate texture even when the growing season is over Dried leaves keep for several years when stored properly Here are some of the popular ways dried lamb’s ear is used
- Wreaths, garlands, bundles and floral arrangements
- Holiday ornaments and tree decorations
- Fillers in bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages
- Natural confetti or potpourri
- Craft projects like sachets, greeting cards, pressed flowers and wreaths
When to Harvest Lamb’s Ear for Drying
The best time to cut lamb’s ear for drying is in early fall when the plant has reached maturity. Wait until the morning dew has dried for clean harvesting. Snip leaves off the stems with pruners or scissors. Lamb’s ear often grows in dense patches, so you can harvest a lot easily.
Many people recommend harvesting lamb’s ear after it has been through a light frost. The cold helps intensify the leaves’ color. But lamb’s ear will dry well even without a frost.
How to Dry Lamb’s Ear Leaves
Drying lamb’s ear at home is simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1. Cut Stems
Cut stems longer than you need your finished decorative pieces to be. Longer stems give you options for arranging. The foliage shrinks slightly when dried, so keep that in mind too.
Step 2. Remove Excess Foliage
Strip off any discolored or dead leaves from the bottom half of the stems so they don’t detract from your dried bundles.
Step 3. Dry Upside Down
Gather 5-10 stems together and secure the ends with a rubber band. Hang these bundled stems upside down in a warm, dry indoor spot out of direct light. Attach bundles from hooks, hangers or even a pants hanger in a closet.
The leaves will dry best hanging upside down so they keep their shape and downward orientation.
Step 4. Allow 1-3 Weeks to Dry
Check bundles periodically. When leaves feel crisp yet supple, after 1-3 weeks, they are ready. The thicker the leaves, the longer drying will take. If stems bend without breaking, they need more time.
Step 5. Store in Breathable Container
When thoroughly dry, you can leave bundled stems intact or gently remove leaves. Store dried leaves in paper bags or cardboard boxes, not plastic. This allows air circulation to prevent mold.
Now your preserved lambs’ ear is ready for all kinds of decorative uses indoors!
Creative Ways to Use Dried Lamb’s Ear
Dried lamb’s ear adds comfortable elegance to home decor projects. Here are some pretty ways to display those soft silver-gray leaves:
Simple Bundles
Gather 3-5 stems together and tie a ribbon around the stems about 2-3 inches from the top. Hang these bundles anywhere you want an organic touch. Display in entryways, above cabinets, on gifts or alongside artwork.
Wreaths and Swags
Intermingle dried lamb’s ear leaves with complementary greenery and herbs to make stunning wreaths, garlands or door swags. Lamb’s ear loves being paired with eucalyptus, dried grasses, feverfew, lavender and rosemary.
Holiday Ornaments
Glue lamb’s ear leaves in decorative patterns onto round glass ball ornaments. Add a ribbon topper and use as Christmas tree ornaments or table decorations for seasonal flair.
Sachets and Potpourri
Place dried leaves into small fabric sachets. The soothing gray-green color complements any room. For potpourri, blend lamb’s ear with scented herbs like lavender, rose petals and lemon verbena.
Pressed Flower Cards and Crafts
Preserve individual lamb’s ear leaves forever between sheets of parchment paper in a heavy book. Once flattened, use the delicate pressed flowers to make notecards, bookmarks and other paper crafts.
The soft texture of lamb’s ear makes it a unique, memorable addition to homemade gifts and holiday decor. With a simple harvest and drying process, you can enjoy this versatile plant all year long.
Storing Dried Lamb’s Ear Long Term
To extend the shelf life of your dried lamb’s ear leaves, store them properly. Here are some tips:
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Keep leaves whole until needed for crafts. They are most fragile when removed from stems.
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Store in a cool, dry spot away from light and heat sources like appliances.
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Use breathable containers like paper or cardboard. Avoid plastic bags or boxes that can trap moisture.
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Check periodically for moisture and signs of mold. Discard any bad leaves promptly.
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Expect dried leaves to remain in good condition for 1-3 years when stored well.
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Consider displaying your lamb’s ear bundles or wreaths out of bright light to help preserve the beautiful color.
With proper harvesting technique and storage, you can keep your dried lamb’s ear looking fabulous for several seasons of enjoyment. Share the soothing, organic texture of this beloved plant throughout your home.
A Hardy Foliage Perennial for Your Cottage Garden | Drying Lamb’s Ear for Future Crafts
FAQ
Can lamb’s ear leaves be dried?
Can lamb’s ears be preserved?
Is lamb’s ear good for anything?
What to do with lambs ear after it blooms?
How long does a lamb’s ear take to dry?
Dry the larger lamb’s ear leaves on a newspaper. Place the newspaper on a table and spread the leaves evenly over the surface. Check the flowers periodically to make sure none of the stalks have fallen out. Depending on the humidity of your region, lamb’s ears can take two to four weeks to dry.
How to eliminate ear fluid at home?
It is essential to be cautious when attempting to address ear fluid at home, as improper methods can cause further harm. If you suspect ear fluid or are experiencing symptoms like earache, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, it’s best to seek professional medical advice from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a healthcare provider. They can properly diagnose the cause of the ear fluid and recommend appropriate treatment options. Home remedies or over-the-counter products should not be used without proper guidance, as they may not be effective or safe for certain conditions. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare professional can ensure the best outcome for your ear’s health.
How do you care for a lamb’s ear?
Water only if the soil feels dry. Lamb’s ears are drought-tolerant but will lose some older leaves during dry spells. Avoid watering the top of the plants; the leaves will rot or develop fungal leaf spots or powdery mildew if they get too wet. Leaves that are close to the ground are particularly susceptible to decay.
How do you Dry Lamb’s ear flowers?
Wrap the loose loop of the rubber band under the drying rack bar or clothesline then back over the top and around the flowers. Make the bundles so that they are 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Keep a loose loop as you wrap the rubber band around the flowers. Dry the larger lamb’s ear leaves on a newspaper.