Lamium maculatum Beacon Silver - Spotted Deadnettle

Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' has a sumptuous foliage colour. The numerous small semi-evergreen leaves are a very light silver-white and marginated with green. They produce a bright effect that is highly appreciated in the undergrowth. Dotted with almost magenta-pink flowers from May to August, this perennial ground cover appreciates shaded or semi-shaded situations and thrives in moist, rich, and light soils.

"Maculatum" means "spot" in Latin. Lamium maculatum is therefore also called spotted or variegated deadnettle. Indeed, they all bear bi-coloured foliage. It consists of numerous small leaves, 2 to 3 cm (1in) long, which are semi-evergreen in some climates. They are heart-shaped, toothed, embossed, and form a complete carpet, covering the stems that bear them. These stems are long and prostrate, but slightly raised at their ends and spread in all directions. They host small flowers (2cm (1in)) with a calyx with hairy teeth that surrounds the corolla tube. It extends into two lips: one finely hairy upper lip, and another lower lip. Their silhouette is reminiscent of nettle flowers. The name "Lamium" actually comes from Greek and referes to a throat or a gaping mouth.

Deadnettles always make charming ground covers. They require no maintenance (except if the foliage has dried up) and are perfect at the foot of a bush. The variety of colours, their reasonable and manageable growth (20cm (8in) tall and a maximum spread of 100cm (39in)) means they can be integrated at the front of flower beds, in ribbons or with small touches, thus varying the foliage. Plant them in front of perennial heucheras or geraniums.

The vibrant flowering of Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' brightens up the undergrowth after spring bulbs have bloomed. It goes well with its shade companions: Helleborus orientalis guttatus Pink, Heuchera 'Fire Chief' and H. 'Prince of Silver', and Saxifrage 'Black Ruby', thus creating a nice contrast of foliage and a harmony of pinks. Plant it in a semi-shaded rockery or at the foot of a wall. It fits among creeping perennials and brings touches of brightness to sometimes forgotten corners.