Spotted deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'Brightstone Pearl'
ABOUT
The 'Brightstone Pearl' is a variegated form of the common dead nettle, a ground-covering plant known for its decorative foliage and flowers. It possesses distinctive leaves that are heart-shaped with a silver-white center, giving them a frosted appearance. The edges of the leaves are a deep green, creating a striking contrast against the lighter center. The variegation can add a shimmering effect to garden spaces, especially in shadier areas where its brightness stands out. During blooming periods, the 'Brightstone Pearl' produces delicate, tubular flowers that are white to pale pink, clustering at the top of the square stems, typical to members of the mint family to which it belongs. These flowers are attractive to various pollinators, including bees. The overall visual effect of the plant is one of gentle luminosity and soft color contrasts, making it a subtle yet eye-catching addition to any garden setting. The plant spreads with a creeping habit, which allows it to fill in spaces and create a continuous carpet of foliage and flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Dead Nettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon.
Common names
Lamium maculatum 'Brightstone Pearl'.
ToxicityTo humans
Spotted Dead Nettle is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it could potentially cause a mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. It is not known for containing any compounds that would cause serious poisoning or severe symptoms in humans.
To pets
Spotted Dead Nettle is also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. As with humans, ingestion of substantial amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not known to be seriously poisonous or cause severe symptoms in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 inches [20 cm]
Spread
24 inches [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Lamium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Deadnettle, has attractive foliage and shimmering flowers that add visual interest to gardens.
- Ground Cover: Spotted Deadnettle is an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and cover bare spots.
- Shade Tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Spotted Deadnettle is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in many climates.
- Low Maintenance: It does not require much care, making it a great choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plant options.
- Pest Resistance: This plant is resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Spotted Deadnettle attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is not palatable to deer and rabbits, helping to prevent damage to the garden from these animals.
- Seasonal Interest: With its evergreen leaves and long blooming time, Spotted Deadnettle provides year-round interest.
- Soil Versatility: It can grow in a variety of soil types, from well-drained to slightly moist, adding to its adaptability as a garden plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Spotted deadnettle can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds due to its dense foliage and ground-covering habit.
- In shaded or semi-shaded areas, it can provide a green backdrop for spring-blooming bulbs, allowing them to stand out before the deadnettle fills in.
- It serves as an indicator plant in gardens, suggesting when the soil is too dry if its leaves start to wilt, prompting timely watering for surrounding plants.
- The silver foliage of 'Brightstone Pearl' can be incorporated in moon gardens, designed to be enjoyed in the evening as it reflects moonlight.
- Used in terrariums or fairy gardens, this variety adds texture and variegation due to its smaller leaves and trailing growth.
- As a visual barrier, it can edge pathways in garden settings, preventing soil from being kicked onto walkways.
- Spotted deadnettle can be planted over spring bulbs to obscure their dying foliage once the blooms have faded.
- When dried, the leaves can be used in decorative crafts, such as pressed flower art, due to their intricate patterns.
- The plant can be used as a natural carpet in outdoor seating areas, providing a softer surface underfoot in comparison to traditional lawns.
- It can be a teaching tool in horticultural education, showcasing plant adaptation to shade and variegated leaf patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spotted Deadnettle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spotted Deadnettle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: The spotted deadnettle is known for its hardy nature, thriving in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist.
- Adaptability: It can grow in both sun and shade, representing the ability to thrive in different environments or situations.
- Purity: The white flowers of 'Brightstone Pearl' are often associated with innocence and cleanliness.
- Grounding: As a ground-cover plant, it symbolizes staying grounded and connected to one's foundation or roots.
WaterSpotted Dead Nettle should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. In warmer climates or during particularly hot and dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, applying about one to two gallons of water per square yard of soil each week should suffice. In the absence of rainfall, make sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightSpotted Dead Nettle prefers partial to full shade, thriving best in conditions where it can avoid the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal spot would be under a tree canopy or on the north side of a building where it receives bright, indirect light. Morning sunlight is tolerable, but the plant should be shielded during the peak intensity of the sun's rays to prevent scorching the foliage.
TemperatureSpotted Dead Nettle enjoys temperate conditions and can tolerate a temperature range from 50°F to 80°F. They can survive brief dips down to 30°F, but freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Ideally, maintain an environment where the temperature is consistently within this range for the healthiest growth.
PruningSpotted Dead Nettle should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Prune in early spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage and promote new growth. Additionally, if the plants become leggy during the summer, a light trimming can stimulate bushier growth. Pruning is also beneficial for controlling spread and invasiveness, which can be done as needed throughout the year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Spotted Deadnettle is a well-draining, loamy or sandy soil rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 to encourage healthy growth.
RepottingSpotted Deadnettle does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingSpotted Deadnettle prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the average humidity levels found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in indirect light, keep soil moist but not wet.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, mulch well, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSpotted Deadnettle 'Brightstone Pearl' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable moist and shady conditions, germinates usually in spring. The seedling emerges from the soil and develops its first pair of true leaves while it establishes a basic root system. Throughout the growing season, the plant experiences vegetative growth, producing distinctive silvery-foliage with green edges, and growing into a mat-forming perennial through underground runners. By late spring to early summer, 'Brightstone Pearl' enters its flowering stage, showcasing small, white tubular flowers that attract pollinators; this bloom period can last until fall if conditions are favorable. After pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed nearby, although this plant often propagates more efficiently through its spreading habit. At the onset of winter, the above-ground plant dies back, but the roots remain alive to endure dormancy, thus completing the cycle as it begins anew with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Lamium maculatum 'Brightstone Pearl', commonly known as Spotted Deadnettle, is by division in the spring or autumn. This involves gently digging up an established clump and carefully separating it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system intact. Make sure that each division has several shoots or leaves for successful re-establishment. The divisions should be replanted promptly at the same depth they were originally growing at, and spaced approximately 12 inches (around 30 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective because it guarantees that the new plants will be true to the parent's characteristics, provided that the parent plant is healthy and demonstrates desirable traits.
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