Specifications for Growing Lamium

Light

• Lamium is one of the most shade-tolerant ground covers available. This adaptable perennial grows well in both partially- and fully-shaded locations. If possible, site Lamium where it's protected from afternoon sun. Never grow Lamium in full sun, as the strong light will scorch the leaves. The more white variegation on the leaves, the brighter the planting site should be, as heavily variegated plants such as Beedham's White and Beacon Silver will revert to all green in very deep shade.

Soil

• Spotted deadnettle grows well in almost any soil type but prefers a neutral pH of 7.0. While neutral soil is fine for a wide variety of plants, including most perennials, it does mean that Lamium isn't suitable for growing in the same bed as azaleas, rhododendrons or hollies, all of which need acidic soil. Lamium grows well in almost any type of soil, whether fertile or not, so there's no need to add soil amendments just for the deadnettle. Regardless of the type of soil, it does require adequate drainage.

Moisture

• Spotted deadnettle grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It's an adaptable plant, though, and performs well even in the dry shade under trees and shrubs, although the plant will have a more open and sprawling habit. If it becomes straggly in midsummer in dry shade, cut it back to force fresh, new growth. Avoid planting deadnettle in sites that remain constantly wet, which leads to fatal stem and root rot.

Hardiness

• Most Lamium varieties are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 3 through 8. Cold tolerance does vary with each cultivar so check the plant label for hardiness information. Yellow archangel (L. galeobdolon, previously classified as Lamiastrum galeobdolon), a species of Lamium with yellow flowers and metallic leaves, is hardy only in zones 4 through 8. Lamium is evergreen in warm parts of the country and deciduous in colder areas.