Spotted Deadnettle Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy'
ABOUT
The 'White Nancy' spotted deadnettle is a low-growing, spreading perennial known for its decorative foliage and modest flowers. The leaves are distinctly marked, featuring a silvery-white blotch in the center that stretches out towards the edges, surrounded by a margin of deep green. This variegation gives the plant a striking appearance in shade gardens or ground cover situations. The flowers of 'White Nancy' are delicate and hood-like, predominantly white in color, which adds a soft, subtle floral display above the foliage. The blooms are arranged in whorls around the square stems, typical of plants in its family. The overall impression of 'White Nancy' is one of a silver carpet with flecks of green, punctuated by the modest white blooms that emerge in late spring to early summer. This ground cover is particularly valued for its ability to brighten up shady areas with its light-colored leaves and for its undemanding nature in terms of care.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Spotted Deadnettle, Spotted Henbit, Purple Dragon.
Common names
Lamium maculatum.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ground Cover: Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' spreads quickly to cover bare spots or suppress weeds, providing an attractive, low-maintenance carpet in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'White Nancy' attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its foliage tends to be unattractive to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
- Ornamental Foliage: The variegated leaves add visual interest and brightness to shaded garden areas throughout the growing season.
- Low Growing Habit: Its compact size and low growth make it an ideal border plant or underplanting for taller species.
- Seasonal Blooms: Produces delicate white flowers in late spring to early summer, enhancing the garden's aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to Divide: The plant can be easily divided to create more plants, making it cost-effective and great for sharing with fellow gardeners.
- Erosion Control: The dense mat of roots can help prevent soil erosion in sloped or unstable areas.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- As a natural dye: The foliage of 'White Nancy' can be boiled to produce a green dye for textiles.
- In terrariums: This variety of spotted deadnettle can be used in terrariums for its attractive foliage and low maintenance.
- As temporary ground cover for events: Spotted deadnettle works well for decorative ground covers in garden weddings or other outdoor events.
- As a living mulch: It can act as a living mulch under taller plants, helping to keep the soil moist and cool.
- In floral arrangements: The variegated leaves of 'White Nancy' can provide an interesting contrast when used in cut flower arrangements.
- As an educational tool: Gardeners and teachers may use the plant to educate about variegation and ground cover species.
- For garden borders: 'White Nancy' is perfect for creating defined borders between different garden sections.
- As indicator plants: They can indicate soil moisture levels as their leaves will wilt when the soil is too dry, reminding gardeners to water the area.
- In sensory gardens: The distinct texture of the leaves can be included in gardens designed to stimulate the senses.
- For photography: Its unique variegation and flowers make 'White Nancy' an excellent subject for garden photography enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Spotted Deadnettle is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Spotted Deadnettle is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Persistence: Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy', commonly known as spotted dead-nettle, often symbolizes persistence due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Adaptability: As an invasive plant that easily adapts to its environment, spotted dead-nettle represents the ability to survive and flourish in different situations.
- Water
Spotted Dead Nettle should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. They prefer evenly moist soil, so during periods of high heat or drought, increase watering frequency to twice a week. It is recommended to provide about 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants or 8-16 ounces for indoor potted specimens, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots without causing waterlogging.
- Light
Spotted Dead Nettle thrives in partial to full shade conditions. It is best to locate the plant where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing Spotted Dead Nettle in areas with intense late-day sun.
- Temperature
Spotted Dead Nettle prefers temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate freezing conditions for extended periods. The ideal temperature conditions ensure robust growth and vibrant foliage.
- Pruning
Pruning Spotted Dead Nettle helps maintain its shape and encourages denser foliage. Light pruning can be done in early spring to remove dead or damaged leaves and promote new growth. It can also be trimmed back after the first flowering to refresh the plant and encourage a second bloom. The best time for significant pruning is in the spring or immediately after flowering.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Spotted dead nettle prefers a well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.
- Repotting
Spotted dead nettle does not often require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Spotted dead nettle thrives best in average to high humidity levels, similar to that of a typical garden environment, without the need for additional humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Grow in shade to partial sun, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
- Life cycle
Spotted dead nettle 'White Nancy' (Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy') starts its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the spring, where it begins as a small sprout breaking through the soil. It soon develops into a seedling with characteristic heart-shaped leaves, showing the distinctive silver stripe down the center of each leaf. As the plant matures, it forms a clumping, spreading groundcover, with stems that readily root at the nodes when they come in contact with soil, facilitating vegetative propagation. Throughout late spring into summer, 'White Nancy' blooms with clusters of small, tubular white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. After flowering, if conditions are favorable, seeds will set and can self-sow, thereby completing the reproductive cycle. During fall and winter, the plant remains largely evergreen, although growth is minimal, and it may die back depending on the climate, with the cycle resuming the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to summer
Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy') is commonly propagated through division, which is best performed in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant with a shovel, ensuring a generous amount of soil around the roots to avoid damage. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing, water thoroughly, and maintain consistent moisture until the new plants are established. Divisions should be spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. This method of propagation quickly creates new plants that are identical to the parent and can help invigorate older clusters by improving air circulation and reducing competition for resources.