Lamium Galeobdolon

Plant taxonomy classifies yellow archangel plants as Lamium galeobdolon. This botanical name is largely synonymous with Lamiastrum galeobdolon, although some use the latter to make a distinction between yellow archangel and "true" Lamium plants ("deadnettle"), such as Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon' or 'White Nancy.' I.e., the name Lamiastrum can be used to indicate that yellow archangel is a "false" Lamium plant or merely resembles a true Lamium plant. Nevertheless, yellow archangel is commonly referred to as simply a "yellow lamium" or "yellow deadnettle."

Yellow archangel plants are herbaceous perennials. Some cultivars may be evergreen or semi-evergreen in warm regions.

Generally reaching about 1 1/2 feet in height, the spread of yellow archangel plants will depend on the cultivar. 'Hermann's Pride' will spread to a width of only about 1 foot, meaning it's the preferred yellow deadnettle for a perennial bed. Other types, while perhaps desirable where an aggressive ground cover is called for, are not at all suitable for planting beds, because they spread too freely.

Yellow archangel plants produce yellow flowers in late spring or in summer. But these shade plants are grown just as much for their variegated leaves.

Grow yellow archangel plants in planting zones 4-8. This yellow-flowering perennial is indigenous to Europe and western Asia.

Grow yellow archangel plants in partial shade and in a well-drained loam, enriched with humus. Although a moderately drought-tolerant ground cover when mature and if grown in sufficient shade, young plants require an evenly moist soil.

Aggressively spreading cultivars such as 'Variegata' are used as ground covers, particularly in shade gardens. In out-of-the-way woodland gardens, their spreading habit may be more tolerable than elsewhere, or even desirable (but see below under "Caveat").

While you're waiting for them to take over a patch of shady land as a ground cover, fill the spaces in between your yellow Lamium plants with red impatiens to create a colorful summertime display.

Yellow lamiums are invasive plants, for the most part. Their stems aggressively root where they touch the earth.

Yellow archangel plants are valued for their tolerance of shady conditions. With their silver foliage (interspersed with green), they can brighten up a shady area even when not in bloom.

Hack back yellow archangel plants when they become leggy to promote a more compact form. You can divide these perennials either in fall or in early spring.

Despite the similarity in common names, for most people there is no reason to avoid contact with yellow deadnettle, as you would with stinging nettle.