Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas' (v)
ABOUT
Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas', commonly known as spotted deadnettle, is an ornamental perennial plant characterized by its striking foliage and flowers. This cultivar has heart-shaped leaves that exhibit a unique color pattern. The foliage is primarily a lush green, but each leaf bears a distinctive silvery-white marking at the center, creating a bold contrast that catches the eye. During its blooming period, the spotted deadnettle produces flowers that appear in whorls atop the leafy stems. The flowers have a tubular shape and are typically a soft pink color, lending a delicate touch to the plant's overall appearance. The blossoms are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding an element of movement and wildlife interest to the garden. The overall impression of 'Elisabeth de Haas' is of a textured, variegated plant that provides color and life to shady spots where many other plants may not thrive. Its patterned leaves make it particularly effective as ground cover or when planted in borders and flowerbeds where its decorative qualities can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Dead Nettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon.
Common names
Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas'
ToxicityTo humans
Spotted deadnettle is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this plant is not typically associated with serious health risks, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from its consumption. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergic reactions or experience gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in larger quantities.
To pets
Spotted deadnettle is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not contain any known toxic compounds that could cause severe poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset in some pets, but the plant is not known for causing serious health problems.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas' variety, commonly known as Spotted Deadnettle, has striking foliage and flowers that add visual interest to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy plant, it requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Shade Tolerance: Spotted Deadnettle thrives in shaded areas where other plants might struggle, making it a great choice for under trees and in shaded garden corners.
- Ground Coverage: It acts as an effective ground cover, spreading to fill space and suppress weeds, reducing the need for frequent weeding.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or for conserving water.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Spotted Deadnettle attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Its flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest and color during these times.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which helps to keep the garden intact without the need for additional protection.
- Erosion Control: As a ground cover, its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in problem areas.
- Variability: Offers a variety of foliage colors, providing options for different landscape designs and color schemes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas', commonly known as spotted deadnettle, can be used in crafting to create natural dyes, as the leaves and flowers may yield subtle colors.
- In culinary arts, young leaves of spotted deadnettle can sometimes be incorporated into salads or as a garnish to add a unique, mild flavor and a touch of color.
- As an educational tool, spotted deadnettle can be used to teach children or students about pollination as it's attractive to bees and butterflies.
- The plant can be employed in companion planting near vegetables to help attract beneficial insects that can aid in pest control.
- Spotted deadnettle can serve as an indicator plant, as its vigor or struggle may signal soil health or issues with garden ecology.
- Its dense growth habit makes it useful in erosion control, helping to stabilize soil on slopes or in areas prone to runoff.
- In photography and painting, spotted deadnettle provides an attractive subject or backdrop with its variegated foliage and delicate flowers.
- In the creation of floral arrangements, its leaves provide a variegated green contrast to other flowers.
- As a ground cover in outdoor miniature or fairy gardens, spotted deadnettle's small flowers and foliage add a fanciful element to these whimsical creations.
- It has utility as a living mulch, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Spotted Dead Nettle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Spotted Dead Nettle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Concealment: Spotted deadnettle's ability to cover ground quickly symbolizes hiding or covering up something, as it can conceal the ground with its foliage.
- Persistence: As a hardy plant that is difficult to remove once established, spotted deadnettle represents tenacity and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Adaptability: Since Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas' can thrive in various conditions, it symbolizes adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Balance: The variegated leaves, with their mix of green and white or silver, can symbolize balance and harmony, contrasting different elements together effectively.
- Grounding: As a ground cover, spotted deadnettle signifies staying grounded or being humble, as it grows close to the earth and fills the understory.
WaterSpotted dead nettle should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to ensure a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it can tolerate some drought. Provide about an inch of water weekly, more during hot, dry spells. It's better to water deeply and less frequently than to water a little every day. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing moisture on the leaves which can lead to fungal diseases. Adjust the watering schedule during rainy periods, reducing the amount as needed.
LightSpotted dead nettle performs best in partial to full shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it receives morning light but is protected from the intense sun of the afternoon. This plant thrives under the dappled light of trees or on the north side of a building, where it receives consistent but not direct sunlight.
TemperatureSpotted dead nettle is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It will remain evergreen in warmer climates and die back in regions that experience freezing temperatures but will return in the spring.
PruningPrune spotted dead nettle to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage. It can be cut back in early spring to remove any winter-damaged leaves, which also promotes new growth. Periodic trimming throughout the season can help keep it looking tidy. The best time for major pruning is after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum 'Elisabeth de Haas') thrives in moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter. A soil mix of equal parts peat moss, garden loam, and perlite or vermiculite works well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0, to support healthy growth.
RepottingSpotted Dead Nettle should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its container. Repotting is best done in the spring before the growing season starts. Choose a container only slightly larger than the current one to prevent waterlogged soil.
Humidity & MistingSpotted Dead Nettle prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level around 30-50%. Avoid excessively dry air, which can cause leaf tips to brown, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Indirect light, moist soil, regular feeding.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, protect from heat.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSpotted Deadnettle 'Elisabeth de Haas' begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in early spring, ideally in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full shade exposure. These seedlings develop into spreading groundcover plants with square stems and heart-shaped, toothed leaves variegated with silver markings. Throughout late spring to summer, it produces clusters of deep purple-pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers gradually give way to small, inconspicuous fruits containing seeds that can disperse to form new plants. As a perennial, the above-ground foliage may die back in the winter, depending on the climate, but the root system remains alive and the plant regrows from its rhizomes the following spring. The plant can also spread vegetatively when stem sections root at nodes that come into contact with moist soil, expanding the colony over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Spotted dead nettle 'Elisabeth de Haas' is most commonly propagated by division, which can be done in the spring or autumn. In this method, gardeners carefully split the plant's root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These sections are then replanted into well-draining soil, spaced adequately apart to allow for growth. Watering should be done immediately after planting and maintained to keep the soil consistently moist until the new plants are established. This straightforward method allows for rapid increase of the plant and is typically used to create a cohesive ground cover in garden settings.
