Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'Ickwell Beauty' (v)
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Ickwell Beauty' is a cultivar of Spotted Deadnettle, popular for its decorative foliage and blossoms. It has a striking appearance due to its variegated leaves that have a silvery sheen with deep green edges, giving it a shimmering effect. The leaves are usually heart-shaped and are arranged opposite each other on square stems, typical of the mint family members to which it belongs. Adding to its beauty, 'Ickwell Beauty' features charming flowers that bloom in whorls around the stem, creating a tiered effect. The blossoms are typically a soft pink or purplish color and tubular in shape, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies. The combination of its ornamental leaves and attractive flowers makes 'Ickwell Beauty' a favorite for gardeners seeking to add a splash of color and texture to their shady garden spots. Its seasonal beauty provides a long period of interest since it often flowers from late spring into the early summer months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Dead Nettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon.
Common names
Lamium maculatum 'Ickwell Beauty' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Spotted Deadnettle (the most common name for Lamium maculatum) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widely known toxicity from ingesting this plant, and it does not typically cause any adverse symptoms if accidentally consumed in small quantities.
To pets
Spotted Deadnettle is also generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause serious illness or symptoms of poisoning if a pet were to ingest parts of this plant. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: 'Ickwell Beauty' has variegated foliage and attractive pink or purple flowers, enhancing garden visual interest.
- Low maintenance: It is easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and watering once established.
- Ground cover: Its growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and protect soil.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for shaded gardens.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pollinator-friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: It is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making it suitable for gardens with wildlife.
- Seasonal interest: It provides visual interest from spring to fall with its foliage and flowers.
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: The spotted deadnettle is commonly used in landscaping as an attractive ground cover plant due to its vibrant foliage and low-maintenance nature.
- Shade Tolerant: It can be used in shaded areas of the garden where many other plants struggle to thrive, providing greenery in spots with little sunlight.
- Color Contrast in Gardens: Its silver and green variegated leaves can provide a striking contrast to other green plants and can be used to create interesting patterns and highlights in garden designs.
- Erosion Control: The plant's aggressive spreading habit can be useful for stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion.
- Border Planting: Spotted deadnettle is also suitable for the front of borders or along pathways, offering a lush, low-growing edge that is visually appealing.
- Companion Planting: It can be paired with other shade-loving plants in a woodland garden, such as ferns and hostas, to create a diverse and layered aesthetic.
- Butterfly and Bee Attraction: While not its primary use, spotted deadnettle can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden, which is beneficial for the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Mass Planting: Can be used for mass planting to quickly fill large areas of a garden space, due to its fast growth and spreading habit.
- Living Mulch: As it spreads and forms a dense mat, it can be used as living mulch under taller plants, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Seasonal Interest: Some varieties of spotted deadnettle offer seasonal flowers that add additional interest and subtle color to the garden during spring to summer.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Spotted Dead Nettle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Spotted Dead Nettle is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Concealment: Lamium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Deadnettle, often grows in shady conditions and its variegated leaves can blend with the undergrowth, signifying the idea of hiding or being unseen.
- Perseverance: As a hardy ground cover, Spotted Deadnettle represents the ability to thrive and spread even in less-than-ideal conditions, symbolizing persistence and resilience.
- Adaptability: Spotted Deadnettle adapts well to various soils and light exposures, reflecting an individual's ability to adjust to different environments and situations.
WaterSpotted Dead Nettle requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this plant might need watering approximately once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's better to provide about one gallon of water per square yard every week during dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well after each watering.
LightSpotted Dead Nettle thrives best in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is an excellent choice for shaded areas of the garden where other plants might struggle to grow. While it can tolerate some morning sun, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so a spot under the dappled shade of trees or on the north side of a building is ideal.
TemperatureSpotted Dead Nettle is quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in zones 3 to 8, withstanding cold winters while its foliage often remains evergreen in milder climates. Avoid placing it in locations where temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as extreme heat can stress the plant.
PruningPruning Spotted Dead Nettle promotes bushier growth and can help maintain a neat appearance, especially for groundcover use. It should be pruned occasionally to remove any damaged or dead foliage and to encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Major pruning is typically not needed, but a light trim once a year can keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpotted Deadnettle thrives in a well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. An ideal soil mix could include garden soil, compost, and peat moss to enhance fertility and moisture retention.
RepottingSpotted Deadnettle generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingSpotted Deadnettle prefers average room humidity levels, avoiding extremely dry conditions, but does not require highly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Spotted Deadnettle in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Grow in partial to full shade; mulch and water regularly to maintain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Lamium maculatum 'Ickwell Beauty' (v) is Spotted Deadnettle. The life cycle begins with seed germination, typically in spring, when soil temperatures and moisture levels are conducive to seedling development. Following germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a rosette of leaves and a root system. As the plant matures, it reaches the vegetative stage, spreading outwards with square stems and opposite leaves, and eventually producing the distinctive silver-striped foliage that the 'Ickwell Beauty' cultivar is known for. The reproductive stage follows, with Spotted Deadnettle producing clusters of pink to purple flowers typically from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators to facilitate sexual reproduction. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, and the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, before the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Spotted Deadnettle, which is the common name for Lamium maculatum 'Ickwell Beauty' (v), is through division. This process is best carried out in the spring or fall when the plant is not in peak growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, ideally at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. It’s crucial not to let the divisions dry out; they should be kept consistently moist until they are well established. This method allows for quick and effective propagation, and within a few weeks, the divisions should start to grow vigorously, resulting in new plants that are genetic clones of the parent.
