Lamium orvala (Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle)
Balm-Leaved Red Deadnettle, Balm-Leaved Archangel, Balm-Leaved Deadnettle, Dragon Flower, Hungary Deadnettle
Lamium orvala (Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle) is a handsome herbaceous perennial forming a neat clump of large, heart-shaped, finely serrated, solid green leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). In late spring to early summer, hooded, almost orchid-like, pink to purple flowers are produced in whorls around the upper leaf axils. Opening from purple-pink buds, they may continue to bloom sporadically into fall. A useful plant for shady beds and borders, it can be used in the garden in combination with spring bulbs, ferns and other woodland perennials.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
- Best in part shade to full shade in average, medium moisture, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
- Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle is a welcomed addition to shaded gardens, beds and borders. Perfect for plantings under perennials or shrubs and as a groundcover.
- Virtually disease and pest free, Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle is also deer resistant.
- Propagate by division in autumn or early spring
- Plants can be cut back after flowering, if desired, to encourage fresh, more compact foliar growth.
- Native to Central and Southern Europe.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lamium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
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Botanik Foto, Uwe Mueller, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lamium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing |
12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Drought, Deer |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
