Lamium galeobdolon Kirkcudbright Dwarf - Yellow Deadnettle

Lamium galeobdolon ‘Kirkcudbright Dwarf’, formerly known as Lamiastrum galeobdolon or more commonly yellow archangel or yellow deadnettle, forms a compact 20cm (8in) tall mat with finely veined and coarsely toothed green foliage marked with silver. It produces rhizomes and stolons that allow for rapid colonisation of moist and shaded areas, even under trees. Yellow leafy spikes rise above the mat during summer. This cultivar, which is easy to establish among other perennials, is less invasive than the species.

The species Lamium galeobdolon is native to Europe and Asia Minor. It is hardy to -20°C (-4°F). This excellent ground cover brings freshness and a beautiful carpeting effect with its dense vegetation comparable to that of periwinkle, but with semi-evergreen foliage of a lighter shade. The leaves, with short petioles, have a lamina 2 to 3cm (1in) long. They are elliptical, pointed and coarsely toothed, reminiscent of nettle leaves but without the stinging element. However, they emit an unpleasant odour when crushed. They are arranged opposite each other along square stems and form dispersed rosettes along reddish stolons. The flowers are bilabiate, as in all members of the Lamiaceae family, and reach 18mm (1in). They are grouped in leafy spikes that stand upright, displaying a bright yellow colour that lights up the base of trees and bushes. The 'Kirkcudbright Dwarf' cultivar is much more compact, forming a mat only 20cm (8in) thick, and its leaves offer a lovely silver-green colouration that brightens up the base of plants.

Very hardy, it quickly colonises embankments and grows very well at the base of trees alongside daffodils, especially Narcissus 'Actaea', with which it forms a perfect duo. It has a rapid growth rate. You can plant it with vigorous perennials such as Geranium macrorrhizum 'Spessart', Epimedium perralchicum, or 'Red Dragon' knotweed.

Did you know: The word galeobdolon comes from the Greek galê, meaning "weasel, polecat," and bdolos, meaning "stench," referring to the leaves that emit an unpleasant odour when crushed.