Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'Forncett Lustre'
ABOUT
Spotted deadnettle 'Forncett Lustre' is a perennial plant known for its striking foliage and flowers. It boasts distinctive leaves that are oval to heart-shaped with a shimmering silver sheen at the center, edged with a deep green. This variegation gives the plant a bright and luminous appearance in the garden. The leaves are attached to square stems, which is a characteristic feature of many members of the mint family to which it belongs. Throughout the growing season, 'Forncett Lustre' produces an abundance of flowers. These blossoms are tubular and hooded, exhibiting a soft pink to purple color. They are neatly arranged in whorled clusters that encircle the stem, sitting just above the foliage, adding a splash of color that contrasts with the leaves' silvery tones. The Spotted Deadnettle 'Forncett Lustre' is appreciated by gardeners not only for its decorative qualities but also for its ground-covering ability, where its foliage spreads to create a dense mat. This can be helpful in suppressing weeds and covering bare spots in the landscape. Its aesthetic appeal combined with its functional use makes it a popular choice for garden borders, shaded areas, and woodland gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Dead Nettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon.
Common names
Lamium maculatum 'Forncett Lustre'.
ToxicityTo humans
Spotted deadnettle is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of poisoning from ingestion of this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary and it is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential unknown reactions or the possibility of contamination from pesticides and other chemicals.
To pets
Spotted deadnettle is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not listed as a toxic plant for dogs or cats by major pet poison control resources. As with humans, while not inherently poisonous, ingestion of plant material by pets may cause mild stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Owners should still discourage pets from eating ornamental plants to prevent any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Low maintenance: Lamium maculatum 'Forncett Lustre' is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it can survive periods of low water availability, making it ideal for dry climates.
- Shade tolerant: It thrives in partially shaded areas, where many other plants would struggle.
- Ground cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, preventing weed growth and covering bare spots in gardens.
- Ornamental value: 'Forncett Lustre' offers ornamental appeal with its variegated foliage and delicate flowers, adding aesthetic value to garden spaces.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of the plant attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the pollination of nearby plants.
- Deer resistance: It is known to be resistant to deer, which can help protect other nearby plants in areas with a large deer population.
- Long blooming period: 'Forncett Lustre' has a long flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended time.
- Versatile uses: It can be used in landscaping under trees, in rock gardens, or as an edging plant, offering various design possibilities.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground cover: Spotted dead nettle is excellent for suppressing weeds in shaded garden areas due to its dense foliage.
- Color contrast in gardens: With its silvery leaves, it serves as a striking contrast against darker foliage or brightly colored flowers.
- Indicator plant: Sometimes used to indicate when other plants need water as it wilts when soil moisture levels become too low, prompting timely irrigation.
- Flower arrangements: The vibrant and attractive flowers can be cut and used in floral arrangements or bouquets.
- Habitat for beneficial insects: It provides nectar for early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Canvas for creativity: The variegated leaves can inspire artists and nature enthusiasts by showcasing the natural patterns found in vegetation.
- Teaching tool: Used in educational settings to teach about ground cover plants and their roles in ecosystems.
- Erosion control: Its dense root system can help stabilize soil in shaded sloped areas to prevent erosion.
- Seasonal interest: Offers visual interest in the garden throughout multiple seasons with its evergreen leaves in mild climates.
- Garden border definition: Its spreading habit is useful for creating clear borders between garden beds and pathways.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpotted Dead Nettle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpotted Dead Nettle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Concealment: Lamium maculatum, commonly known as spotted deadnettle, often has a variegated foliage that blends into its surroundings, symbolizing the ability to hide or go unnoticed.
- Persistence: As a hardy ground cover, spotted deadnettle represents the ability to persist and grow even in adverse conditions.
- Surprise: The unexpectedly vibrant flowers emerging from unassuming leaves symbolize hidden surprises and beauty in unexpected places.
- Adaptability: With its capability to thrive in both shade and sun, spotted deadnettle signifies adaptability to different environments and situations.
WaterSpotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum 'Forncett Lustre') should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering approximately once a week. The amount of water needed can vary with weather conditions, but a general guideline is to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Over-watering should be avoided, as Spotted Deadnettle prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if left too wet. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
LightSpotted Deadnettle thrives in light conditions ranging from partial to full shade. It should be planted in a spot that gets filtered sunlight or in an area that receives shade for most of the day. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided to prevent scorching the foliage.
TemperatureSpotted Deadnettle is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant lies between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where it performs best for growth and foliage production.
PruningSpotted Deadnettle benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and improve its appearance. It is best to prune in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done as needed throughout the growing season to remove any damaged or dead foliage. The best time for a more thorough pruning to rejuvenate older plants is immediately after flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpotted dead nettle thrives best in a soil mix with equal parts of loam, peat, and sand, which ensures good drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSpotted dead nettle doesn't require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2-3 years, as the plant is not a fast grower.
Humidity & MistingSpotted dead nettle prefers average to high humidity levels, making it well-suited to outdoor environments with natural humidity and indoor settings if the air isn't too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in indirect light, water moderately, maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist soil, protect from hot sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSpotted deadnettle 'Forncett Lustre' begins its life as a seed, germinating in early spring when soil temperatures are cool and moisture is ample. After germination, it quickly sprouts and establishes a rosette of variegated, heart-shaped leaves. Over the following weeks, the plant develops a spreading habit, forming stolons that allow it to cover ground and potentially root at nodes, making it an effective groundcover. By late spring to early summer, it produces small, hooded flowers that can range in color from pale pink to purple, attracting pollinators. After flowering, if pollination occurs, it may produce small nutlet fruits containing seeds for future generations, although it more commonly spreads vegetatively. As a perennial, the above-ground foliage may die back in winter in colder climates, but the plant typically resurfaces from its hardy root system each spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Spotted Deadnettle 'Forncett Lustre' can be propagated most effectively through division. Division is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively flowering. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant ensuring a large amount of the root system remains intact. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method is reliable and helps to maintain the variegated patterning and vitality of the 'Forncett Lustre' cultivar.
