Lamium maculatum Chequers - Spotted Deadnettle

Lamium maculatum 'Chequers' is a variety of deadnettle producing an abundance of flowers. Its lilac flowers appear from April to July and are accompanied by beautiful hairy, triangular foliage that is green with a white-silver central band. This fast-growing creeping perennial thrives in a shaded or semi-shaded position, where it brings a touch of light and whimsy. It appreciates moist, rich and light soils where it will be even more lush.

Lamium maculatum belong to the Lamiaceae family. "Maculatum" means "spot" in Latin. Lamium maculatum are therefore also called Spotted or Variegated Deadnettles. Indeed, they all bear bi-coloured foliage. It is made up of numerous small leaves, 2 to 3cm (1in) long. This foliage is semi-evergreen in certain climates. The leaves are triangular, pubescent, toothed, and wavy, forming 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 bear small flowers (2cm (1in)) with a calyx of hairy teeth that surrounds the corolla tube. This corolla extends into two lips: the upper lip is finely hairy. Their silhouette is reminiscent of nettle flowers. The name "Lamium" actually comes from Greek and means a throat or a gaping mouth.

Deadnettles always make charming ground cover plants. They require no maintenance (except if the foliage has dried up) and are perfect at the foot of a bushy shrub. However, the variety of colours and 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. Place them in front of heucheras or perennial geraniums. 'Chequers' goes well with other shade-loving plants: liverworts, hostas, arum, Heuchera 'Georgia Plum', and 'Bressingham Glow' Japanese anemone. This mix of textures will create a harmonious flower bed. However, it also works well in a semi-shaded rockery, or at the foot of a wall, with creeping perennials like bugleweeds. It also adds brightness to neglected corners.