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Yellow archangel

Lamium galeobdolon · Lamiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant yellow archangel: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
Flowering
Spring (April-May), golden yellow flowers
Adult size
20-40 cm tall, spreading ground cover form
Growth
Fast and vigorous
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -15 °C)
Origin
Central and southern Europe
Soil type
Indifferent, tolerates poor soils well

Care

Watering

Golden dead-nettle is undemanding when it comes to water once established. Water regularly during the first year to promote rooting, then let natural rainfall suffice. During prolonged dry periods, weekly watering keeps the plant in good condition.

Sunlight

This plant thrives in shade or partial shade. It tolerates shaded areas under trees or buildings. Avoid intense direct sunlight which can dry out the foliage and reduce flowering vigor.

Pruning and cleanup

Prune lightly after flowering to control spread and maintain a compact form. Remove dead or damaged stems in late winter. This plant accepts regular cutting well and can be rejuvenated by hard pruning every 2-3 years.

Soil

Golden dead-nettle adapts to all soil types: chalky, acidic, clay or sandy. It even tolerates poor or compacted soils, making it ideal for difficult areas. Potting soil amendment is generally unnecessary.

Fertilizing

This hardy plant doesn't require special fertilizer. An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than enough. In very poor soil, diluted balanced fertilizer in spring can stimulate growth, but it's not essential.

Diseases and pests

Golden dead-nettle is very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. In overly humid and poorly ventilated conditions, powdery mildew may occasionally appear. Maintain good air circulation and avoid prolonged excess moisture to prevent any problems.

Did you know?

Golden dead-nettle bears the scientific name "galeobdolon" which literally means "odor of galeopsis": this reference to another plant in the same family reflects the historical difficulty botanists had in classifying this particular species. Its silver-variegated foliage was once prized in medieval gardens as a shaded ground cover, long before modern catalogs rediscovered it.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.