General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers evenly moist, acidic loams with good drainage. Dislikes wet soils, particularly in winter. Dislikes high heat and humidity, and does best when soils are cool. Also dislikes compacted or poorly drained soils. Unsightly bare patches (often called melting out) may appear in the heat of the summer, particularly in hot and humid climates. If such mid-summer foliage decline occurs, plants may be cut back or sheared to stimulate new foliage growth. Leaf scorch may also occur, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out or if plants are grown in too much sun. When grown as a ground cover, starter plants may be spaced 6-10” apart for quick coverage. Evergreen in mild winter climates, but not in the St. Louis area.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
‘Cosmopolitan’ is a spotted deadnettle cultivar that is noted for its compact size, variegated foliage, pink flowers and spreading habit. It is a miniature sport of Lamium ‘Shell Pink’. It is a mat-forming perennial ground cover that typically grows 3-6” high and spreads to 12-24” wide or more by sprawling stems which root in the ground at the nodes as they go. It grows vigorously in optimum conditions but is easy to control and is not considered to be too aggressive. Features arrowhead-shaped, silvery white leaves with thin green margins. Clusters of small, two-lipped, hooded, light pink flowers (typical mint family) appear at the stem ends in late spring to early summer, sometimes with a brief fall rebloom. Genus name comes from the Greek word meaning throat in reference to the flowers. Specific epithet means spotted in reference to the leaves of the species. Species plants are related to stinging nettle, but do not sting when touched, hence the common name of dead nettle. U. S. Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF).
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Aphids and slugs are occasional visitors. Watch for leaf blight and leaf spots. Crown rot may occur in poorly drained, wet soils. Foliage may decline (melt out) in hot and humid summer climates.
Uses:
Small scale ground cover for shady areas. Intolerant of foot traffic. Also effective as an edger, but spread must be controlled. Containers or hanging baskets.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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