Golden Dead Nettle Lamium maculatum 'Aureum'

'Aureum' is a cultivar of the Spotted dead nettle, a fast growing, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the mint family. 'Aureum' is distinguished by its gold to chartreuse foliage with a white center and spikes of pink flowers. It will root in the ground wherever stems touch and it is easily divided and transplanted. It will spread to form a mat and, at 8 inches high and 2 feet wide when mature, it makes a great ground cover.

"Aureum', like its parent plant, does best in partial or heavy shade, average soil, and evenly moist, but well drained, sites. It will tolerate dry soil. However, it will not do well in compacted or wet soils or in high heat and humidity. Plants will burn in the full sun.  Prune it back in the late winter to maintain shape.  

'Aureum' is deer and rabbit resistant and makes an excellent addition to a woodland garden especially when allowed to cascade over a rock wall. The bright yellow leaves provide an accent and brighten up shaded areas in the landscape.  Use in a border, to edge a pathway, or even grow it in a container. When grown as a ground cover, start plants 6 to 10 inches apart. From there, the plant will spread indefinitely; however, it is easy to control and not considered aggressive.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Generally disease and insect free. Leaf scorch can occur if soils are allowed to dry out or if grown in too much sun. Aphids and slugs are occasional problems.

More information on Lamium maculatum.