Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Yellow Green, White, Yellow, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Small Spaces, Hanging Baskets

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

'Aureum' is a lamium cultivar with citrus yellow leaves with a white slash down the center. Rose purple flowers start in spring and bloom to early summer. Grows about 6 inches tall, and spreads by underground stolons 18 to 24 inches. Considering its delicate appearance, the plants are remarkably cold and drought tolerant and do not seem to be bothered much by bugs. Brings brightness to a shady border or summer-long color in a container. Too much shade will lessen the brightness of the yellow foliage.

Grow in well drained soil in part to full shade. It is tolerant of most soil types, but grows best in a loamy-clay to loamy-sandy soil. If planting as a groundcover, space the plants on 12-inch centers. It spreads by rhizones and creeping stems, so plant it knowing its nature, and it will be a heavenly addition to the garden. Restricting watering will keep it in check. Barney Barnett (Willard Bay Gardens) says lamium will keep snails out of hosta (they dislike its nettlely nature). In containers, it may need more frequent watering.