Perennial of the Month-- January 2003 
Perennial of the Month-- January 2003
(laa' mee-um) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)
Common name: Spotted Deadnettle
Family: Lamiaceae, Mint
Height x width: 6-10"" x 24-36"
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: stoloniferous square stems, opposite ovate and bristly hairy leaves, wavy to toothed margin; mainly grown for leaves light and dark green variegated patterns, with silver centers
Flowers: purplish or mauve pink (depending on how you describe colors), hooded, ½-1" long, in whorls on short spikes above foliage, late spring to early summer
Hardiness: zones 3-8
Soil: moist, well-drained
Light: shade, sun in north if sufficient water and loam soil
Pests and Problems: leaf scorch from full sun and insufficient
moisture, purplish fungal leaf spots, stem rots from excessive
wetness
Landscape habit, uses: groundcover
Other interest: genus native to Europe and N. America; genus name from the Latin name used by Pliny; a tri-colored sport of 'Gold Nuggets' found at Wisbech Nursery in 1996
Other culture: may become straggly in zones 7-9 or in dry shade,
in which case cut back; in ideal situations may be quite
vigorous
Propagation: cuttings, division; patented so commercially must be purchased from licensed propagators
Sources: many local and mail order/online catalogs, Proven
Winners suppliers