Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver'

Water

The Spotted Deadnettle should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This generally means watering approximately once a week, but frequency should be adjusted based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. During the growing season, ensure that the plant receives about one gallon of water every week or two, depending on weather conditions. During winter, reduce the frequency to accommodate the slower growth rate and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Spotted Deadnettle thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal location for this plant is a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or dappled shade, as too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. The plant is well-suited for a north-facing garden or underneath the canopy of larger trees and shrubs where it can benefit from the cooler, less intense light.

Temperature

Spotted Deadnettle does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a cooler environment. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for promoting healthy growth is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme cold by mulching in the winter, and it will thrive in these conditions.

Pruning

Pruning Spotted Deadnettle is primarily done to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. Trim back the plant in early spring before new growth starts to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the winter. Pruning can also be done after the first flowering to rejuvenate the plant and encourage a second bloom. Pruning is typically needed once or twice a year based on the plant’s appearance and performance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Spotted Dead Nettle thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand is ideal. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure the best growing conditions for the Spotted Dead Nettle.

Repotting

Spotted Dead Nettle does not typically require frequent repotting and should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container, which is usually every 2 to 3 years. Check the root system in the spring and repot if necessary to encourage healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Spotted Dead Nettle is adaptable to average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It is a versatile plant that can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments where humidity levels are typically found in the average home or garden.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; ensure soil is moist, well-draining.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Spotted Deadnettle 'Beacon Silver', a perennial herb, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in spring under favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant with silver-spotted leaves on trailing stems, establishing its root system. As it matures, Spotted Deadnettle enters the vegetative growth phase, spreading through stolons to form a groundcover. The flowering stage follows, where it produces a profusion of pink to purple blossoms from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, ensuring the continuation of the species. In fall, the plant begins to die back, though the evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage may persist in mild climates, concluding its annual growth cycle before dormancy or reduced activity in winter.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Spotted Deadnettle, Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver', is through division. This is best done in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide Spotted Deadnettle, carefully dig up the entire plant, using a shovel, ensuring a large amount of the root system remains intact. Once extracted from the ground, use your hands or a sharp knife to gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately into well-prepared soil, spacing them approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new location. With proper care, these divisions will grow into full, robust plants.