Lamium galeobdolon aka Yellow Archangel

Taxonomy

Yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon), also known as golden dead-nettle, artillery plant, aluminium plant, or yellow weasel-snout, is a stoloniferous perennial that forms mats of green leaves with silver variegation. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, displaying zygomorphic flower morphology, opposite leaves, and square stems. This widespread wildflower in Europe has been introduced as a garden plant in other regions. The plant produces soft yellow flowers in axial clusters, with a prominent 'hood' or dorsal lobe of the corolla. Reaching a height of around 60cm, yellow archangel is often used as an ornamental ground cover. It bears a resemblance to the Lamium species, including dead nettle, but is more upright with bright yellow flowers and wing-shaped leaves. Some cultivars may be evergreen or semi-evergreen in warm regions. The plant spreads quickly through runners and blooms in mid to late spring, emitting a minty fragrance when the foliage is crushed.

Common names

Yellow Archangel, Yellow Dead Nettle, Yellow Deadnettle

How to care for Yellow Archangel

Difficulty

Yellow Archangel presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Yellow Archangel should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Yellow Archangel loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Yellow Archangel prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Yellow Archangel to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Yellow Archangel is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Yellow Archangel’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to Spain and Iran.


More info:
Wikipedia