Contents
Description
Lamium Maculatum Chequers is a perennial plant that is widely cultivated in gardens for its beautiful purple and white flowers. It belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe and Western Asia. The plant has a spreading habit and grows up to a height of 20-30 cm. It has opposite leaves that are heart-shaped and toothed. The flowers are produced in dense whorls at the top of the stems and are about 2.5 cm long. They are pink-purple in color and have white markings on the lower lip. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lamium |
Appearance
Lamium Maculatum Chequers is a low-growing plant that has a spreading habit. Its leaves are opposite, heart-shaped, and toothed. The flowers are produced in dense whorls at the top of the stems and are about 2.5 cm long. They are pink-purple in color and have white markings on the lower lip. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees and butterflies. It grows up to a height of 20-30 cm and spreads up to 60 cm wide.
Care Guide
Lamium Maculatum Chequers is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Lamium Maculatum Chequers:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during dry periods to keep the soil moist.
- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lamium Maculatum Chequers is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves.
- Mildew: Mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.
- Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant.
- Aphids: Aphids can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Habitat
Lamium Maculatum Chequers is native to Europe and Western Asia. It grows in woodland edges, hedgerows, and meadows. The plant prefers partial shade to full shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lamium Maculatum Chequers an evergreen plant?
A: No, Lamium Maculatum Chequers is a deciduous plant, which means that it loses its leaves in the fall.
Q: Can Lamium Maculatum Chequers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lamium Maculatum Chequers can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lamium Maculatum Chequers?
A: You should fertilize Lamium Maculatum Chequers once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Lamium Maculatum Chequers?
A: Lamium Maculatum Chequers can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the clumps, making sure that each new division has roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Lamium Album (White Dead Nettle)
- Lamium Purpureum (Red Dead Nettle)
- Lamium Galeobdolon (Yellow Archangel)
References
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16269/lamium-maculatum-chequers/details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/lamium-maculatum-chequers-spotted-dead-nettle
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/spotted-dead-nettle/growing-spotted-dead-nettle.htm
