Lamium ‘Shell Pink’ Spotted Dead Nettle

Shade Gardening Perennial

Looking for a groundcover for shade? One that’s easy to grow, easy to divide, drought tolerant? One that puts on a show with its heart shaped leaves that are splashed with a streak of silver. Top that off with its soft pink blossoms that it puts forth profusely from mid spring through late summer, and what do you have. Lamium maculatum ‘Shell Pink’ Spotted Dead Nettle. The stems root as they grow, forming a weed-resistant mat of showy foliage. The plant grows in any soil type and is especially successful when planted in clay. They are an excellent choice for the moon or white garden, and would be lovely in a serenity garden with the hostas and ferns that go so well together as companions.

I remember this easy to grow perennial in my grandmother’s garden beds at the farm. Growing to a height of about 10 to 12 inches this fast growing groundcover with textured heart shaped leaves with white splashes and streaks bursts forth with clusters of “snapdragon-like flowers” a pleasing shade of light pink. It make for an excellent groundcover for shaded areas, or as a border planting or even in a container. Prefers average, humus rich, medium moisture well drained soil. Drought tolerate when established. Also easily divided. Evergreen providing winter interest.

Zones: 4-8
Light Requirements: Part Shade to Shade
Soil Preference: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
Height at Maturity: 8 to 12 inches
Width at Maturity: 24 inches
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Midspring to midfall
Foliage Color: Variegated
Attracts: Butterflies and Beneficial Moths
Tolerates: Rabbits – Deer Resistant