Lamium maculatum 'Beacon Silver' is a low growing groundcover with shimmering silver foliage edged in soft green and adorned with clusters of lavender pink flowers. It provides season long interest in shady areas, spreading gently without becoming invasive.
Height & Spread: 6 - 8 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid spring to early summer, with occasional rebloom
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Prefers moist, well drained soils; tolerates average garden conditions
Watering Needs: Moderate; needs consistent moisture in dry periods to prevent wilting
Deer Resistance: High
Native Status
Not native to North America. This cultivar originates from European species and is widely cultivated for ornamental shade gardening and groundcover use.
Wildlife & Insects
Bees
- Attracts early season pollinators such as native bumblebees and mason bees which forage from the tubular blooms.
Butterflies
- Occasionally visited by small butterflies like Spring Azures seeking nectar in shaded woodland edges.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow quick ground coverage without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shaded borders, underplanting shrubs, woodland gardens, or spilling over containers and retaining walls.
Companion Plants
- Hosta 'Blue Angel' (Hosta) - Large blue foliage contrasts beautifully with the silver variegation of Lamium and thrives in similar shady conditions.
- Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) - Warm toned foliage pairs well with cool silver leaves and adds dimension to shade gardens.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' (Siberian Bugloss) - Mimics the silver patterning in a larger form, creating cohesive foliage interest in part shade.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Delicate foliage and fluffy blooms offer a textural complement in woodland garden settings.
- Astilbe chinensis (Chinese Astilbe) - Upright plumes add vertical interest and blend well with the spreading habit of Lamium.