How to Care for Creeping Lamium
- 1. Water the soil to keep it moist, but do not allow it to become soggy or stay excessively moist for long periods. ...
- 2. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. ...
- 3. Fertilize creeping lamium twice a year. ...
- 4. Prune plants to cut out dead or damaged branches, or to maintain size and shape. ...
How do you care for a Lamium plant?
Lamium is undemanding and easy to grow in partial to fully shaded locations. In midsummer, after the blooming period is over, prune plants back by one-third to help prevent them from becoming too invasive. Lamium is rarely troubled by disease and is generally pest-free. Slugs and snails may be occasional visitors.
How do you get rid of creeping Lamium?
Treat leaf spot by removing affected leaves, cleaning dead leaves from the surrounding ground and applying a fungicide to the plants. Look for snails and slugs on the plants. Creeping lamium is resistant to most other plant pests. Snails and slugs do not kill the plant, but they can cause foliage damage.
How do you propagate Lamium?
Propagating Lamium. You can easily multiply your number of lamium plants by several methods: Stem layering. Simply push a stem (still attached to the mother plant) down to the ground and cover it with soil so only the tip is visible. The tip will soon grow into a new plant.
How do you prune Lamium bulbs?
Lamium species bloom in late spring to early summer, after which you may wish to prune the plants to clean up the flower bed. Cut flower spikes back to leave only the foliage in the garden. You may also wish to thin out lamium plants, eliminating about 1/3 of the total plants, if they have overcrowded the garden bed.
Do you cut back Lamium?
Dead nettles are hardy perennials in USDA growing zones 4 to 10. Prune or shear lamium back after the first bloom to promote compact growth. Slugs, snails, mildew, and leaf spot are common.
How do you prepare Lamium for winter?
subulata), dianthus and lamium are evergreen types that require photosynthesis in winter to stay alive. Leave them intact, removing only dead leaves and stems. When the flowers of mums have faded, remove only the spent blooms leaving about 6 inches of stem in place.
How do you maintain Lamium?
How to Care for Creeping LamiumWater the soil to keep it moist, but do not allow it to become soggy or stay excessively moist for long periods. ... Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. ... Fertilize creeping lamium twice a year.More items...
Should Lamium be cut back in the winter?
In regions with cold winters, lamium is deciduous. In milder climates, it is semi-evergreen. In either case, cut back shabby foliage after the first frost to make way for new growth in the spring.
Does lamium spread quickly?
Getting Started. Most people grow lamium from a few nursery plants. The plant spreads quickly and within a year, four or five plants can fill in a space of 40 square feet or more.
Does lamium like sun or shade?
CareGrow the quick-growing groundcovers in moist, but well-drained soil in partial or full shade. Don't site near small plants which may be overtaken. Dig out rhizomes to keep in bounds. Some species need very well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade.
Should I cut back dead nettle in the fall?
Pruning isn't necessary in the least, although you can still reach for the pruners in spring if the plant grows too large. Simply curtail its growth by cutting back drastically, the plant will easily recover.
Is lamium a perennial?
Spectacular as a ground cover in the shade garden, Lamium maculatum (Spotted Dead Nettle) is a perennial plant whose appearance is unlike other perennial ground covers. With a long bloom period and colorful foliage, most varieties are eye-catching plants throughout the year.
Does a lamium bloom?
Lamium is often called by its nickname, “dead nettle” due to its resemblance to stinging nettle but Lamiums do not sting. Flowers bloom on the upper part of the stem and are long-blooming but not every stem blooms at peak performance at the same time.
What do you do with lamium in the fall?
Although Lamium plants eventually drop the dead flowers, pruning them produces new blooms sooner. You can simply pluck the faded blooms with your fingers or cut the stem with a pair of bypass pruners.
Can lamium be divided?
Lamium. Lamiums are tough shade-loving perennials form mats of evergreen foliage, with flowers in summer. They make great ground-cover plants, so dig up and divide, then replant where cover is needed.
Is lamium an evergreen?
Lamium is a genus with many cultivars that are outstanding foliage plants for the shade, most notably 'White Nancy'. This evergreen ground cover's beautiful, 1- to 2-inch-wide leaves are silvery white with green edges and have a quilted appearance. Clusters of white flowers appear from spring through summer.
How do you treat lamium ground cover?
Lamium plants should be grown in partial to full shade to avoid leaf scorching. Plant your Lamiums 12"-18" apart in evenly moist, moderately rich, well drained soil. Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly while your Lamium is actively growing.
Can Lamium be divided?
Lamium. Lamiums are tough shade-loving perennials form mats of evergreen foliage, with flowers in summer. They make great ground-cover plants, so dig up and divide, then replant where cover is needed.
Is Lamium a perennial?
Spectacular as a ground cover in the shade garden, Lamium maculatum (Spotted Dead Nettle) is a perennial plant whose appearance is unlike other perennial ground covers. With a long bloom period and colorful foliage, most varieties are eye-catching plants throughout the year.
Is Lamium a good ground cover?
Lamium plants are a perfect deer resistant groundcover to brighten a partly sunny to semi-shady spot. Vigorous without being invasive, Lamium produce dainty snapdragon-like flowers in colors from white, to pink to purple. Attractive two-toned foliage provides interest even when the flowers are not in bloom.
Where does lamium grow?
Native to Europe and western Asia, lamium is frequently found naturalized along woodland trails and paths and colonized along the banks of streams. Its variegated leaves and colorful spring flowers make lamium a reliable choice for brightening shady garden spots where few other perennials will grow.
Can lamium be grown in shade?
Lamium is undemand ing and easy to grow in partial to fully shaded locations. It prefers well-drained soil but will do fine in dry shade if you provide it with regular watering. A member of the mint family, lamium spreads quickly, is self-seeding, and will rapidly create a groundcover wherever it is planted.
Is lamium a pest?
Lamium is rarely troubled by disease and is generally pest-free. Slugs and snails may be occasional visitors. Check your plants regularly and, if slugs or snails are present, handpick and dispose of them as they appear. Early mornings and evenings and after periods of damp weather are the best times to hunt for these pests. Another method of control some gardeners use is placing saucers of stale beer among their plants, with the lip of the container at ground level. Slugs and snails are attracted to the liquid, fall in and drown.
Do dead nettles need fertilizer?
Not terribly picky, spotted dead nettles do just fine in average, well-drained soil. There is no need to apply fertilizer, as this can encourage them to become too robust and invasive. Lamium is undemanding and easy to grow in partial to fully shaded locations.
Is lamium evergreen?
In regions with cold winters, lamium is deciduous. In milder climates, it is semi-evergreen. In either case, cut back shabby foliage after the first frost to make way for new growth in the spring. In midsummer, after the blooming period is over, prune plants back by one-third to help prevent them from becoming too invasive. The midsummer shearing also encourages a second blooming period in September. Not terribly picky, spotted dead nettles do just fine in average, well-drained soil. There is no need to apply fertilizer, as this can encourage them to become too robust and invasive.
How to keep creeping lamiums moist?
1. Water the soil to keep it moist, but do not allow it to become soggy or stay excessively moist for long periods. Creeping lamium is susceptible to crown or stem rot in wet soil conditions.
How to tell if a creeping lamium has a leaf spot?
6. Examine the plants periodically for evidence of leaf spot. Creeping lamium is resistant to most plant diseases, but it is susceptible to leaf spot in damp conditions. Leaf spot shows as black spots or ringed dark spots.
What is creeping lamium?
Lamium maculatum, also known as creeping lamium or spotted deadnettle, is a low-growing landscape plant. Depending on the cultivar, it is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9a. Creeping lamium averages 10 inches tall, with small flower groups appearing in the summer. This plant works as a ground cover, a border plant or even a houseplant in a hanging basket. Creeping lamium does not tolerate sun, and only grows in full to partial shade. Give this plant proper care to keep it attractive and producing colorful blossoms.
Do creeping lamiums need pruning?
Aside from pruning for cosmetic reasons, creeping lamium does not require pruning to maintain vigorous growth. Use pruning shears to cut the plant anywhere along the stems or down to the base. Do not prune late in the growing season, as pruning encourages new growth that may be damaged by frost.
Can creeping lamiums grow in full sun?
This plant works as a ground cover, a border plant or even a houseplant in a hanging basket. Creeping lamium does not tolerate sun, and only grows in full to partial shade. Give this plant proper care to keep it attractive and producing colorful blossoms.
Does lamium slug kill?
Creeping lamium is resistant to most other plant pests. Snails and slugs do not kill the plant, but they can cause foliage damage. Pick snails and slugs off by hand, or apply a ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant to discourage the pests. References. Perennials.com: Lamium Maculatum ‘Pink Pewter’.
How many square feet does a lamium plant need?
Most people grow lamium from a few nursery plants. The plant spreads quickly and within a year, four or five plants can fill in a space of 40 square feet or more.
How big does a lamium grow?
Most lamium varieties grow between 4 and 8 inches tall and 20 inches wide. A few, such as album ‘Friday,’ and orvala ‘Album’ grow 20 inches or taller.
What causes white powdery leaves on lamium?
Powdery mildew also affects lamium sometimes. This disease causes a white powdery film to grow on the leaves. It’s most common in hot weather and usually appears at summer’s end. In most cases, it is not fatal. Prune out the affected plants so air circulates more freely.
How to layer a stem?
Stem layering. Simply push a stem (still attached to the mother plant) down to the ground and cover it with soil so only the tip is visible. The tip will soon grow into a new plant.
What causes edema in the garden?
As far as diseases go, the most common problem gardeners experience is edema and drowning, caused by too much water and poorly draining soils. Improve heavy clay soils with compost, manure and peat moss before planting lamium. If the soil is very heavy, consider replacing it with a commercial garden soil brought in from a landscaping firm. Water so the soil stays slightly moist, but not soggy.
Is lamium good for snails?
Lamium is usually fairly maintenance free. Slugs and snails thrive in shaded, moist soils and sometimes bother lamium. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to discourage these pests or use snail traps and baits.
When do lamiums bloom?
The small clusters of flowers are usually pink, white or purple, and appear from spring through late summer. Lamium is a versatile plant, hardy in U.S.D.A. plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. In zones 6 through 8, it remains evergreen most of the year.
How to keep lamiums from spreading?
Water the plants weekly if no natural precipitation occurs. Fertilize plants with 10-10-10 fertilizer after three weeks if lamium grows too slowly and needs help establishing itself. Arrange a shallow barrier around the plants to control spreading .
How to grow lamium from seed?
Pull the seedling carefully from the pot. Loosen the bottom of the seedling's roots by massaging them gently. Dig a 2- to 3-inch hole in the soil using a small garden shovel. Place the plant in the hole. Sweep the dirt around the base of the plant. Lamium does not thrive when planted too deeply.
What is a lamium plant?
Gardening. By Monica Patrick. Lamium is a fast-growing, perennial ground cover that deer and rabbits avoid. The plant's multicolored leaves and tiny pastel flowers look attractive by themselves along a walkway or mingled with other showier flowers. Short and shaggy, lamium grows to 8 inches tall and spreads up to 23 inches.
What type of soil does lamium prefer?
Lamium prefers moist, well-drained soil in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. If the soil does not drain well, add sand to it and work it in with the hoe.
How to control spreading of a plant?
Arrange a shallow barrier around the plants to control spreading. A course of bricks works well for this.
How to get rid of dead blooms on lamium?
Deadheading. Deadheading is the process of remove expired flower blossoms in order to make room for new flower development. Although Lamium plants eventually drop the dead flowers, pruning them produces new blooms sooner. You can simply pluck the faded blooms with your fingers or cut the stem with a pair of bypass pruners.
How to encourage lamium to branch?
You can pinch plants back to a leaf joint or cut the stems with bypass pruners to encourage shoots from the cut location.
How to divide lamiums?
Lamiums are usually divided in late fall or winter when they form dense mats, but you can thin the plants during spring or summer to control growth before it is safe to divide the perennials. Spread the foliage apart with your hands to reveal the base where the stems meet the soil. Clip as much as 1/3 of the plants back to the ground to allow greater air circulation and light through to the plants, leading to overall healthier plants. Repeat as needed throughout the growing season when the cut plants grow back. If plants get taller than desired, you can cut them back to the desired height to maintain a uniform or more compact shape. Only cut the ends of the plants during dormancy or when plants finish blooming.
When do lamiums bloom?
Lamium species bloom in late spring to early summer, after which you may wish to prune the plants to clean up the flower bed. Cut flower spikes back to leave only the foliage in the garden. You may also wish to thin out lamium plants, eliminating about 1/3 of the total plants, if they have overcrowded the garden bed.
What is the most common species of lamium?
The most common ornamental Lamium species in the United States includes white deadnettle (Lamium album), a low-growing perennial with white flowers, and spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), an herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped leaves and pink or white flowers.
How to keep lamiums moist?
Plant in a pot or the garden, remember to select a shaded site. Water the freshly planted lamium well and keep moist for a couple of weeks. Once the plant doubles in size it should be able to take care of itself.
When to take cuttings of lamium?
The best time to take cuttings of lamium is in late spring, through till autumn. A good cutting will go from one leaf node to the next. A leaf node if the part of the stem where new shoots or leaves sprout from. Most often these nodes are a couple of inches apart.
Where to store lamium cuttings?
If you are only going to take a small number of cuttings i would strike the roots of lamium in water. Still store them in an area out of direct light.
How deep should I divide a lamium plant?
To divide lamium i simply dig up a portion of the plant with a shovel. Make sure you go deep enough that you get as much root as possible. 4-6 inches (12-15cm) is plenty. The new plant can be planted directly into the garden.
How to keep fresh potted plants in the garden?
Keep the freshly potted plants in a shaded area and out of the wind. Once the roots fill the pot you can plant them into the garden, share with friends or sell them.
When does lamium maculatum bloom?
Throughout most of the year it produces attractive pink flowers. The most prolific blooming is from late spring through summer. Even when lamium isn’t in flower the foliage is very attractive and provides year round interest.
Is lamium a ground cover?
In the case of lamium its very straight forward as the plant naturally layers itself. Being a ground cover the stems are in contact with the soil. If the soil is moist enough the plant will set down additional roots.
