Lamium orvala 'Alba' (Deadnettle) — perennial

Overview

Lamium orvala 'Alba' is a perennial in the genus Lamium, part of the Q53476 family. Lamium orvala 'Alba' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover and woodland garden. It is native to Europe.

About

Lamium orvala 'Alba' is a perennial deadnettle used as ground cover in shaded parts of the garden. It belongs to the genus Lamium and is native to Europe. It prefers partial shade to shade, moist, well-drained soil and a sheltered position. In the UK it flowers from April to July.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lamium orvala

About the genus

Lamium (dead-nettles) is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, of which it is the type genus. They are all herbaceous plants native to Eurasia and northern Africa, with several widely naturalised across much of the temperate world.

Wikipedia contributors, "Lamium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lamium

In the garden

Lamium orvala 'Alba' is a perennial member of the Lamium genus, native to Europe and commonly used as a ground cover in shady situations. As a deadnettle it produces a seasonal display in spring and early summer, with its flowering period in the UK running from April to July, which suits understorey planting beneath trees and larger shrubs. Locate Lamium orvala 'Alba' where light is limited: partial shade or shade are appropriate exposures. It favours moist, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position rather than exposed, windy sites. Its UK hardiness rating of H7 means it is fully hardy and can remain in place over winter without special protection in most British conditions. Use this perennial to fill gaps in woodland gardens, shady borders and as a low ground cover where moisture can be maintained. Planting it in groups helps establish a continuous cover in shady ground layers. Expect flowering from April through July, which provides a steady period of understorey interest as spring moves into early summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lamium

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Lamium orvala 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: groundcover, woodland garden
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lamium orvala 'Alba'

Cultivation: Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn, seed