Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum
ABOUT
The plant known as spotted deadnettle is a perennial groundcover that is widely appreciated for its decorative foliage and flowers. Its leaves can be quite distinctive—typically heart-shaped with a soft, sometimes hairy texture, and often showcase a silvery-white central variegation or blotching against a dark green backdrop. Throughout the growing season, this colorful foliage provides a rich, contrasting tapestry that catches the eye even when the plant is not in bloom. When spotted deadnettle does flower, it produces a profusion of small, tube-shaped blossoms that can range in color from pink to purple, and occasionally white. These delicate flowers cluster together in whorls at intervals along the square stems, creating an aesthetically pleasing floral display that adds to the plant's ornamental appeal. Overall, the appearance of spotted deadnettle is characterized by a lush, spreading habit that makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to fill in shaded areas with attractive ground cover. The combination of its beautiful leaves and charming flowers create an appealing and enduring impression in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Deadnettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon, Beacon Silver, Chequers, Silverfrost.
Common names
Galeobdolon maculatum, Lamium album var. barbatum, Lamium album var. immaculatum, Lamium flexuosum, Lamium immaculatum, Lamium intermedium, Lamium purpureum var. maculatum, Lamium racemosum, Lamium wirtgenii.
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, Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground Cover: Lamium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Deadnettle, is often used as a ground cover due to its spreading habit and attractive foliage, effectively suppressing weeds and minimizing soil erosion.
- Ornamental Value: With its variegated leaves and vibrant flowers, Spotted Deadnettle adds aesthetic appeal to gardens, providing color and texture contrasts when partnered with other plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is somewhat drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for areas with occasional water shortages.
- Shade Tolerance: Spotted Deadnettle thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for underplanting beneath trees or in other low-light garden areas.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care once established and not needing frequent fertilization, Spotted Deadnettle is a practical option for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which are important for the health of the garden ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Lamium maculatum has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: The plant may be used for its astringent properties to help tighten tissues and stop bleeding.
- Diuretic: It might be used to promote the production of urine, which can help in the removal of waste from the body.
- Antibacterial: Components in the plant could possess antibacterial properties, which may help in fighting infections.
- Vulnerary: The plant has been used historically to aid in the healing of wounds.
- Sedative: There is some anecdotal evidence that it may have a mild sedative effect, helping to calm nerves.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye: Lamium maculatum leaves can be used to produce a light green dye for textiles.
- Garden Aesthetics: Commonly known as spotted dead-nettle, it is often used as a ground cover in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Companion Planting: Spotted dead-nettle can be used in companion planting to provide a living mulch that suppresses weeds.
- Indicator Plant: It may indicate rich, moist soil, where other selected plants might thrive as well.
- Culinary Decoration: Its flowers are sometimes used as a garnish or included in salads for a decorative touch.
- Plant Containers: With its spill-over effect, Lamium maculatum works well in hanging baskets and container arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: It offers cover for small wildlife, such as frogs and beneficial insects.
- Erosion Control: The plant can be used on slopes and banks for erosion control due to its mat-forming habit.
- Education: Spotted dead-nettle is used in educational settings such as botanic gardens to teach about plant habit and variegation.
- Biomonitoring: This plant can be a subject in studies for biomonitoring due to its prevalence and responsiveness to environmental conditions.
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- Concealment: Lamium maculatum, commonly known as Spotted Dead Nettle, has leaves with a silvery-white blotch in the center which can be seen as a symbol for things that are hidden or not immediately obvious.
- Resilience: As a hardy groundcover that can thrive in various conditions, Spotted Dead Nettle represents the ability to survive and even prosper in challenging environments.
- Perseverance: This plant's tendency to spread and take root even in inhospitable areas reflects a spirit of determination and the will to keep going against the odds.
- Adaptability: Spotted Dead Nettle adapts well to shade and different soil types, making it a symbol of flexibility and the capacity to adjust to various situations.
WaterSpotted deadnettle should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to provide about an inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. Use a watering can or a hose with a diffuser to gently water the plant at the base, avoiding overhead watering which can promote disease. During hot summer months, you might need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels, while in the cooler months, watering can be reduced as the plant requires less moisture.
LightSpotted deadnettle thrives in partial to full shade. It is best situated in a location that receives morning light and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. An ideal spot might be under the canopy of open-branched trees or on the north side of a building where it receives filtered or dappled sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureSpotted deadnettle prefers temperate climates and grows best at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer if exposed to frost. The maximum temperature tolerated by this plant is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, above which it may require additional shade or water to stay healthy.
PruningPruning spotted deadnettle helps maintain its appearance and encourage bushier growth. Trim back any leggy stems in the spring to promote new growth and again after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadheading or removing spent flowers can also be done as needed to keep the plant looking tidy. The best time for major pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpotted dead nettle thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix might include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage while retaining moisture.
RepottingSpotted dead nettle does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. Check the plant annually and repot if it has become root-bound or the soil appears depleted.
Humidity & MistingSpotted dead nettle prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It grows well in outdoor garden settings, which typically meet its humidity requirements without additional intervention.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSpotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in spring, requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops square stems and heart-shaped, often variegated leaves, characteristic of the Lamiaceae family. By late spring to early summer, Spotted Deadnettle produces flowers in whorls at the axils of the upper leaves; these can be pink, purple, or white, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, it produces small nutlets as fruits that contain seeds, which are then dispersed to begin a new cycle. Throughout its life, this perennial plant can also spread vegetatively through its creeping stolons, creating ground cover and expanding its presence in the garden.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Spotted Deadnettle, or Lamium maculatum, is through division. This typically occurs in the spring or autumn when the weather is cool, and the plant is not in the active growth phase. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully dig up an established clump of Spotted Deadnettle and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a decent amount of roots attached. These sections are then planted into well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Adequate watering is essential after replanting to encourage root establishment. Within a few weeks, the new divisions should begin to grow and establish themselves as independent plants.
