How to Grow Lamium Pink Pewter

Lamium Pink Pewter

Lamium maculatum 'Pink Pewter'

flower

Lamium Pink Pewter is a low-growing groundcover with striking silver-variegated foliage and delicate pink flowers. This cultivar of spotted deadnettle is prized for its ornamental foliage that brightens shady areas year-round. It spreads gradually to create an elegant carpet in woodland gardens and shade borders.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to full shade, 2-4 hours of indirect light preferred

💧

Water: Moderate moisture; water regularly during establishment and drought. Prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Very drought-tolerant once established.

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental groundcover; flowering begins 6-8 weeks after planting)

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; crown at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, tolerates poor soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost leaf mold peat moss

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young plant developing roots and putting out new stems; foliage appears fresh green with emerging silver variegation

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture. Protect from excessive heat and direct sun during first growing season.

Vegetative Growth

2-3 months

Plant rapidly spreads horizontally with trailing stems; silver-variegated leaves become more prominent and distinctive

Water during dry periods. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage bushier growth, though not essential. Remove any non-variegated or atypical growth to maintain cultivar characteristics.

Flowering

4-6 weeks (spring-early summer, may rebloom in fall)

Delicate pink hooded flowers appear along trailing stems; blooms are two-lipped and attract pollinators

Flowers attract bees and butterflies. Deadheading extends bloom period but is optional. Continue regular watering.

Dormancy/Winter

Varies by zone

In colder zones, foliage may fade or become dormant; in milder zones, plant remains evergreen with silver variegation visible all winter

Do not prune in fall; wait until spring to remove any dead growth. Excellent winter interest in the garden. Mulch in zone 3-4 if snow cover unreliable.

Spring Renewal

3-4 weeks

New growth emerges with vigorous spring vigor; foliage returns to full color and density

Cut back any winter-damaged stems in early spring. Light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer encourages growth. Remove winter mulch gradually.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Coral Bells (Heuchera) Solomon's Seal Hellebores Ajuga Brunnera Epimedium Japanese Forest Grass Astilbe Ferns

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreaders in wet soil (such as some Mentha species) Tall plants that will completely shade it Peonies and other plants that prefer dry shade

Common Pests

Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or neem oil if needed. Occurs primarily in humid conditions with poor air flow.
and
Hand-pick, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth, or use copper barriers. Most problematic in wet springs.
Increase humidity, prune dense growth for air circulation, spray with water, use miticide only if severe (rare).
Remove affected leaves, improve drainage and air circulation, avoid wetting foliage. Generally minor in well-sited plants.

Uses

🌿

Shade Garden Groundcover

Ornamental

Lamium Pink Pewter excels as a spreading groundcover in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and under trees where many plants struggle. Its silver variegation brightens dark corners and creates visual interest. [source]

🌿

Winter Interest & Foliage

Ornamental

The silver-spotted leaves remain evergreen or semi-evergreen in many climates, providing exceptional winter color and texture when flowers have faded. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring and early summer, supporting local ecosystems. [source]

🏠

Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Trailing stems with variegated foliage and pink blooms make lovely, delicate additions to spring flower arrangements and floral designs. [source]

🏠

Erosion Control & Slope Planting

Household

Dense spreading habit makes it effective for stabilizing banks and erosion-prone areas while requiring minimal maintenance. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested for food or stems. Enjoy foliage year-round; cut stems for fresh arrangements in spring-summer. Pinch or deadhead flowers to maintain compact, full appearance and encourage branching.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'deadnettle' comes from the resemblance to nettles but without the stinging hairs—completely safe to touch.
🌱 Lamium maculatum is native to Europe and Asia, and the 'Pink Pewter' cultivar was selected specifically for its exceptionally silvery, pewter-colored variegated foliage.
🌱 The plant spreads via rooting stems that trail along the soil surface, making it easy to propagate by simply pinning down stems or taking cuttings—a traditional cottage garden technique.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free