Lamium, commonly known as deadnettles, is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). They are mainly native to Europe and Asia, but some have become naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America.

Here's a summary of what you need to know about Lamium:

General characteristics:

Appearance: Herbaceous plants, typically growing low to the ground with creeping stems and heart-shaped leaves.

Flowers: Dainty blooms resembling snapdragons, usually in shades of white, pink, lavender, or purple.

Foliage: Often variegated with interesting color patterns, even when not in bloom.

Growth habit: Vigorous spreaders, forming dense mats that suppress weeds.

Habitat preference: Thrive in part shade to full shade, making them ideal for underplanting trees and shrubs.

Benefits of Lamium:

Versatile ground cover: Suppresses weeds while providing visual interest with its foliage and flowers.

Deer resistant: Not a favorite amongst herbivores, making it a reliable choice for gardens.

Low maintenance: Easy to care for and requires minimal watering once established.

Pollinator friendly: Attracts bees and other beneficial insects.

Lamium as a garden plant:

Uses: Ideal for planting under trees and shrubs, filling shady borders, or edging pathways.

Varieties: Numerous cultivars offer different foliage colors and flower shades.

Care: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adaptable to various conditions.

Propagation: Easy to propagate by division or stem cuttings.

If you're looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in shade, Lamium is a great option. Its attractive foliage, charming flowers, and easygoing nature make it a valuable addition to any garden.

Planting lamium is a simple process, and their vigorous nature means you'll soon have a lush ground cover! Here's how to do it:

When to plant:

Ideally, plant lamium in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid planting during extreme heat or frost.

Choosing your plants:

You can purchase individual plants from nurseries or garden centers or find larger established patches to divide and replant.

Different cultivars offer varied foliage colors and flower shades, so choose ones that suit your taste and garden design.

Preparing the planting area:

Choose a location with partial shade to full shade. While some varieties tolerate some sun, especially in cooler climates, excessive sun can scorch the leaves.

Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Lamium tolerates most soil types but prefers well-drained, moderately rich soil.

Planting your lamium:

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your plant. When dividing established plants, tease apart the roots gently.

Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, pressing gently to firm it around the base.

Water thoroughly to settle the soil and keep the roots moist.

Spacing and aftercare:

Space your lamium plants according to their mature size. Most varieties spread quickly, so allow 12-18 inches between plants for optimal growth.

Water regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to help them establish. Once established, they are fairly drought tolerant.

Deadnettles are relatively low maintenance and generally don't require fertilizer. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Lamium can be easily propagated by division or stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your patch or share with friends.

Additional tips:

For faster coverage, plant large drifts of lamium close together.

Pinch back the stems in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Deadhead spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and promote further blooming.

With proper care, your lamium plants will thrive and soon create a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover that adds vibrant color and texture to your shade garden.

Lamium offers a delightful variety of cultivars to choose from, each with its own unique charm. Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

Spotted Deadnettles (Lamium maculatum):

'Album': Pure white flowers with green leaves.

'Beacon Silver': Silver variegated leaves with lavender flowers.

'Beedham's White': Large white flowers with green leaves.

'Chequers': Green leaves with a striking silver cross-pattern.

'Elisabeth de Haas': Silvery-green leaves with pink flowers.

'Pink Pearls': Deep pink flowers with green leaves.

'Pink Pewter': Silvery-green leaves with rose-pink flowers.

'Red Nancy': Deep purple flowers with green leaves.

'Shell Pink': Soft pink flowers with green leaves.

'White Nancy': Pure white flowers with green leaves.

Yellow Archangels (Lamium galeobdolon):

'Hermann's Pride': Golden yellow flowers with variegated green and silver leaves.

'Florentinum': Bright yellow flowers with green leaves.

'Silver Nuggets': Silvery-green leaves with lemon yellow flowers.

Other Lamium Species:

Lamium orvala: Tall growing species with purple flowers.

Lamium album: White flowers with green leaves.

Choosing the right variety:

Consider these factors when selecting your lamium:

Foliage color: Silver variegation adds brightness to shade, while green leaves offer a classic look.

Flower color: White, pink, purple, or yellow blooms provide different pops of color.

Growth habit: Some varieties spread faster than others, so choose one that suits your desired coverage.

Sun tolerance: While most prefer shade, some tolerate more sun.

Lamium is a low-maintenance gem, but to keep it thriving and looking its best, here are some helpful tips on caring for it in your garden:

Watering:

Newly planted: Water regularly for the first few weeks after planting, especially during hot or dry spells, to help them establish.

Established: Lamium is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry. Less frequent but deep watering encourages stronger root growth.

Sunlight:

Ideal: Partial shade to full shade. Most varieties prefer the cool shade offered by trees and shrubs. However, some cultivars like 'Hermann's Pride' can tolerate a few hours of morning sun in cooler climates.

Too much sun: Excessive sun can scorch the leaves, especially for silver-variegated varieties.

Soil:

Prefers: Well-drained, moderately rich soil. They adapt to most soil types but avoid waterlogged areas.

Amending: Improve drainage and fertility by adding compost or aged manure when planting.

Fertilizer:

Generally not needed: Lamium thrives without regular fertilization, especially if planted in fertile soil.

Optional: You can apply a light dose of balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush growth.

Mulching:

Benefits: Mulching around your lamium plants with organic material like shredded bark or wood chips helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Thickness: Apply a 2–3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants, leaving a small clearance around the stems to prevent rot.

Pruning:

Minimal required: Lamium naturally forms a neat ground cover. However, you can occasionally prune back leggy stems or spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage bushier growth.

Timing: Prune lightly in early spring or after blooming to avoid disturbing new growth.

Overwintering:

Hardy: Lamium is generally hardy in most temperate climates and doesn't require special winter protection.

Young plants: In colder regions, cover newly planted lamium with a light layer of mulch for extra protection during their first winter.

Pests and diseases:

Relatively pest and disease-resistant: Lamium is rarely bothered by pests or diseases. However, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, especially in young plants. You can control them with organic methods like handpicking or diatomaceous earth.

Additional tips:

Divide and replant established Lamium every few years to rejuvenate the patch and share extra plants with friends.

Lamium spreads readily, so you can control its growth by digging up unwanted runners or edging your planting area with pavers or bricks.

By following these simple care tips, you can ensure your Lamium thrives and brings its charming foliage and colorful blooms to your shade garden for years to come!

Lamium plants are generally considered pollinator-friendly! They offer several features that attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here's why:

• Nectar-rich flowers: Lamium blooms produce nectar, a sweet liquid that pollinators feed on. The open tubular shape of their flowers allows easy access for their long tongues.

• Long blooming period: Many Lamium varieties bloom for several months in spring and summer, providing a consistent source of food for pollinators throughout the season.

• Diverse color range: The flowers come in a range of colors, including white, pink, lavender, and purple, which can attract different types of pollinators with varying color preferences.

• Open and accessible: The low growing, spreading habit of Lamium creates an open flower carpet that's easily accessible to pollinators of all sizes.

• Easy pollen transfer: The sticky pollen of Lamium readily clings to pollinators as they move from flower to flower, aiding in cross-pollination and fruit production.

Specific examples:

Spotted Deadnettles (Lamium maculatum): Highly attractive to bees and bumblebees, especially early in the season when other flowers might be scarce.

Yellow Archangels (Lamium galeobdolon): Their bright yellow flowers are particularly appealing to butterflies.

Lamium orvala: Taller stems with prominent purple flowers attract a wider range of pollinators, including larger bees and hummingbirds.

While Lamium may not be the absolute best pollinator magnet, it certainly contributes to a healthy and diverse ecosystem by providing food and resources for these vital insects. If you're looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance ground cover that also benefits pollinators, Lamium is a fantastic choice!

Remember, the specific types of pollinators attracted to your Lamium plants will depend on your local environment and the varieties you choose.

Lamium can be a lovely and versatile addition to your floral arrangements, bringing interesting textures, pops of color, and unexpected charm. Here's how to utilize its various features:

Foliage:

Color and patterns: Lamium leaves come in various shades of green, often adorned with silvery variegation or even hints of purple. These contrasting colors add depth and visual interest to arrangements.

Texture: The soft, crinkled texture of Lamium leaves provides a tactile contrast to smoother flowers and foliage. Use it to break up a monotonous texture or create a sense of movement.

Shapes: Different Lamium varieties offer heart-shaped, rounded, or even ruffled leaves, adding playful variety to your arrangements.

Flowers:

Color range: While not the showstopper element, Lamium blooms offer delicate bursts of white, pink, lavender, or purple, complementing many floral palettes.

Shape and form: The small, hooded flowers resemble snapdragons and can add a whimsical touch to your arrangements.

Tips for using Lamium in floral arrangements:

Cut stems at an angle: This improves water absorption and extends the lifespan of your Lamium in the arrangement.

Consider using it as filler or foliage: Lamium shines as a supporting element, highlighting and complementing the main flowers.

Pair it with contrasting textures and colors: Play with smooth flowers like roses or lilies to highlight the textural difference or use contrasting colors for a vibrant effect.

Experiment with different varieties: The diverse foliage and flower colors of Lamium offer endless possibilities for creative arrangements.

Here are some specific examples of using Lamium in floral arrangements:

Springtime bouquets: Pair its silvery-green leaves with pink tulips or daffodils for a cheerful touch.

Woodland-inspired arrangements: Add Lamium to ferns, wildflowers, and branches for a natural, rustic look.

Romantic arrangements: Combine Lamium with blush roses and soft green hydrangeas for a delicate and charming effect.

Modern arrangements: Use silver-variegated Lamium with geometric flowers like orchids or calla lilies for a sleek and contemporary look.

Remember, Lamium's versatility allows you to get creative and express your personal style. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun!

I hope this inspires you to incorporate Lamium into your floral arrangements and explore its unique beauty.

The invasiveness of Lamium depends on the specific species and your local environment. Here's a breakdown:

Not generally invasive:

Spotted deadnettles (Lamium maculatum): While it can spread readily in favorable conditions, it's not considered invasive in most areas. However, in certain regions like the Pacific Northwest, it can become disruptive in natural ecosystems.

Yellow archangels (Lamium galeobdolon): Similar to Lamium maculatum, it spreads and can form dense mats, but it's not typically listed as invasive in most regions.

Potentially invasive:

Lamium album: This species exhibits more aggressive spreading behavior and can outcompete native plants in some environments. It's listed as invasive in parts of the northeastern United States.

Tips for responsible planting:

Research your local area: Check official resources from your state or region to see if any Lamium species are listed as invasive.

Choose non-invasive varieties: Opt for the more contained Lamium maculatum or Lamium galeobdolon.

Monitor and control spread: Be mindful of your Lamium's growth and control its spread if it starts encroaching on other plants or natural areas.

The best time to divide Lamium actually depends on a few factors, including your climate and local planting season:

Colder Climates (Zones 4-7):

Early Spring (March-April): Ideal time for dividing Lamium before new growth sets in. The cool, moist soil and moderate temperatures offer favorable conditions for establishment.

Fall (September-October): Another good option, especially if spring was unusually dry. Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture facilitate root growth before winter dormancy.

Warmer Climates (Zones 8-10):

Early Fall (September-October): Ideal time as it avoids the hottest summer months and allows new plants to establish before potential winter freezes.

Early Spring (February-March): Can be considered but monitor soil moisture closely and provide supplemental watering during dry periods.

General Considerations:

Avoid dividing during extreme heat or frost, as this can stress the plants.

Choose a time when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Ensure new planting areas have well-drained soil.

Water newly divided plants regularly until they are established.

Bonus Tips:

Dividing mature Lamium every 3-5 years can help rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding.

Use the division process to share Lamium with friends and neighbors!

Ultimately, the best time to divide Lamium depends on your specific climate and garden conditions. If you're unsure, consult with a local garden expert or nursery for specific recommendations.