Nature Hills Nursery
Ghost Lamium
Best low-maintenance groundcover for gardeners managing shady, pest-prone landscapes.
The silvery Ghost Lamium, also known as Spotted Deadnettle, is an evergreen perennial celebrated for its striking ornamental foliage. Each leaf features a captivating silver hue with green edges and serrated details, creating a natural masterpiece. This plant produces petite, butterfly-friendly purple blossoms in late spring and early summer, with a potential for reblooming. It's a hardy, fast-growing groundcover that thrives in shady to partially sunny areas and is resistant to deer and bunnies. Ghost Lamium is also excellent for choking back weeds and works beautifully in containers.
$44.68
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
834
/ 3029
#834 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+62%
Above average
Botanical Name
Lamium maculatum 'Ghost'
/ Lamium maculatum 'Ghost'
Who it's for
- Busy gardeners seeking low-maintenance weed suppression
- Homeowners managing difficult, pest-prone shaded landscapes
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with small beds or delicate nearby plants
- Flower enthusiasts prioritizing long-lasting seasonal blooms
- Residents in regions prone to frequent, extended droughts
Performance breakdown
Weed Suppression
Dense growth habit effectively chokes out competing garden weeds.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering plants struggle.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and bunnies from grazing on your landscape.
Foliage Impact
Striking silver variegation provides high-contrast visual interest year-round.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal intervention once established in the garden bed.
Pollinator Appeal
Delicate purple blooms successfully attract butterflies to shaded garden corners.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Lamium maculatum 'Ghost'
Height
1-2 ft
Width
1-2 ft
Growing Zones
4-9
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flower Color
Purple
Leaf Color
Green, White, Variegated
Fall Color
Evergreen in Mild Climates
Features
- Striking silver and green variegated foliage provides year-round interest.
- Produces attractive purple flowers in late spring and early summer.
- Acts as an effective groundcover, suppressing weeds.
- Deer and bunny resistant, reducing garden damage.
- Tolerates dry shade once established, offering versatility in planting locations.
- Suitable for container planting, adding beauty to patios and decks.
- Low maintenance requirements for easy garden care.
- Pollinator-friendly, attracting beneficial insects to your garden.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise Ghost Lamium from Nature Hills Nursery for its exceptional quality upon arrival. Many reviewers highlight the plants arriving healthy and well packaged, ready for planting. The ease of establishment is another frequently mentioned positive, with customers reporting quick rooting and vigorous growth, creating a beautiful silver variegated groundcover. This plant reliably thrives, adding elegant texture and brightness to shaded garden areas, making it a highly satisfying choice for gardeners seeking dependable performance and aesthetic appeal.
Know before you buy
In mild climates, Ghost Lamium remains evergreen. In colder regions within its hardiness zones, the foliage may die back during the winter but will reliably return in the spring.
Ghost Lamium is an excellent groundcover because it grows in a dense, spreading mat. Once established, this thick foliage shades the soil, which naturally inhibits the germination and growth of most common garden weeds.
It performs beautifully in containers. Its trailing habit makes it an ideal 'spiller' for mixed patio pots, though you should ensure the container has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Ghost Lamium prefers partial to full shade. While it can handle some morning sun, it is best suited for areas under tree canopies or on the north side of a building where it is protected from harsh afternoon heat.
Yes, Ghost Lamium is generally avoided by deer and bunnies due to its texture and scent. While no plant is 100% immune if local wildlife is extremely hungry, it is a reliable choice for gardens prone to animal browsing.
While it is drought-tolerant once established, you should provide regular water during the first growing season to help the root system settle. After that, it only requires supplemental watering during extended dry spells.
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$45