Lamium spp.
deadnettles and archangels
Overview
Lamium spp. is a genus of about 25 species of annual and perennial herbs in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Known as deadnettles or archangels, plants have the square stems and opposite, toothed leaves of the mint family but lack the stinging hairs of true nettles. Most species spread by trailing or rooting stems to form low mats 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and wider across. Leaves are heart-shaped to oval, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, and in several garden forms marked with silver or white along the midrib. Flowers are two-lipped and hooded, carried in whorls in the leaf axils, in pink, purple, white, or yellow depending on species. L. maculatum and the white deadnettle L. album are widely grown, while yellow archangel, L. galeobdolon, spreads strongly and is treated as invasive in parts of North America and elsewhere. Most species flower from spring into summer and draw bees and other long-tongued insects. The genus grows in sun to deep shade and tolerates dry shade once established, though stems can become bare and sparse in heat.
Native Range
Lamium spp. is native to Europe, temperate Asia, and North Africa, growing in woodland, hedgerows, field margins, and disturbed ground. Several species, including L. purpureum and L. amplexicaule, have naturalized widely as weeds in North America and elsewhere. Yellow archangel has escaped from gardens into woodland in several regions.Suggested Uses
Lamium spp. is planted as a shade groundcover under shrubs and trees, in containers, and along shaded paths. Silver-marked forms brighten dim corners and edges. The flowers are used by bees in spring woodland plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink, purple, white, or yellowFoliage Description
green, often silver-markedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Lamium spp. species grow in partial to full shade on moist, well-drained soil and tolerate dry shade once established. Most species accept a wide soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.5. Perennial groundcover types are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and spread by rooting stems, which can outgrow their space. In hot, dry sites stems thin out and brown, and a midseason trim renews the foliage. Slugs and snails graze new growth, and crown rot follows wet, airless conditions. Yellow archangel in particular spreads into surrounding ground and woodland.Pruning
Shear groundcover plantings after the main bloom to remove spent flowers and renew compact foliage. Trim back rooting stems to keep clumps within bounds. Cut tired or scorched growth to the ground in midsummer for fresh regrowth.Pruning Schedule
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons