Lamium: a Helpful Deadnettle

By Jos Van Hage

Lamium is one of those perennials that seem to go unnoticed in the landscape and yet it is a very pretty ground cover.

The common name is ‘Spotted Deadnettle’ because the foliage is similar to nettles but unlike the nettles, the foliage does not sting, hence, the name, dead nettle. The small leaves are silver and green and during the summer the plant produces clusters of tiny flowers that look like tiny snapdragons. It is an evergreen in milder climates but here in Prince George the foliage remains until it is covered by snow and in the early spring it starts up again. It is very hardy as it is able to grow in zones 2-9 and Prince George is a zone 3.

An easy to grow and care for perennial, lamium grows in sun to shade and in most soils providing there is drainage. It grows more vigorously in richer, fertile soil than it would in poorer soil. It is an excellent plant for growing on slopes, under trees, edging, as a ground cover, or can replace grass in those hard to grow or mow areas. The silver and green foliage is perfect for brightening up any area of the garden. It is also used in container planting mixed with other plants, especially shade plants such as begonias, and fuchsias, and then in the fall when you are taking apart your container planters you can plant the lamium in the garden to be enjoyed again for the next years to come.

Although it can be started by seed it is most often sold as plants that can be found in the perennial section and sometimes in the annuals. There are several varieties available such as ‘Beacon Silver’, ‘White Nancy’, ‘Chequers’, and ‘Pink Pewter’.  Lamium is rarely bothered by pests and disease and the deer will also stay away from it. It does not require a lot of maintenance. It can spread quickly and indefinitely in the right conditions, so you may want to divide the plant if it is becomes too invasive. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or in the fall. Or if you do not want to divide it, then you only have to pull out the plants roots where you don’t want it to grow. It is easy to control. Lamium is a tough little ground cover that is very pretty and perfect if you have a shaded area that needs a bit of color.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Garden Centres in Prince George:

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road

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