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Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver'
spotted deadnettle
Europe, western Asia, and North Africa
Overview
Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' is a low, spreading perennial groundcover growing 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall and trailing to 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. The heart-shaped leaves are almost entirely silver with a thin green margin, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, carried on square, mint-family stems that root where they touch the ground. From late spring into summer it bears whorls of two-lipped, mauve-pink flowers about 0.75 inch (2 cm) long at the stem tips. The silver foliage brightens shaded ground and holds through mild winters as semi-evergreen cover. Stems spread steadily to form a dense mat over one to two seasons. Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' grows in part to full shade on moist, well-drained soil and tolerates dry shade once established. The foliage is prone to a leaf fungus that causes brown spotting and dieback in hot, humid summers. In rich, moist soil and warmth the plant spreads quickly and can overrun smaller neighbors. Full sun scorches the silver leaves and dries the mat.
Native Range
The species Lamium maculatum is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, where it grows in woodland, hedgerows, and shaded waste ground. 'Beacon Silver' is a silver-leaved garden selection.Suggested Uses
Planted as groundcover in shaded borders, under shrubs, and along woodland edges, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Used in containers and hanging baskets where the silver foliage trails over the edge. Grown to brighten dark corners and to cover dry shade between larger plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Mauve-pink flowers open from late spring into midsummer, May into July, in whorls at the stem tips over several weeks. Scattered flowers often continue through summer in cool, moist conditions. Shearing after the first flush prompts fresh foliage and more bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silver with green marginGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 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
Grow in part to full shade on moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water through dry spells, especially in the first season, though established plants tolerate dry shade. Shear the mat back after the first flush of flowers to refresh the foliage and limit leaf disease. In hot, humid summers the leaves are prone to a fungal spotting that causes dieback, so air movement around the plants helps. Full sun scorches the silver foliage, so a shaded site holds its color. Spreading clumps are lifted and divided in spring or autumn to control their spread.Pruning
Shear the whole plant back by about half after the main flush of flowers to remove tired foliage and encourage fresh silver growth. Stems that spread beyond their space are trimmed back at any time. Remove any disease-spotted growth as it appears.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons