Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum 'Checkin' PINK CHABLIS)

Overview

Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS, commonly known as Deadnettle, is a superior herbaceous perennial valued for its vigorous, mat-forming habit ideal for challenging shady spaces. This cultivar specifically stands out due to its attractive variegated foliage, which brightens dark areas year-round where many other ground covers struggle. The plant produces charming clusters of pink flowers from late spring into mid-summer, significantly enhancing its ornamental appeal beyond its silvery leaves.

As a fast-spreading ground cover, Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS offers textural interest and coverage, spreading via stems that root as they ramble. This Deadnettle is highly valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in heavy shade and dry conditions once established. Gardeners appreciate its resilience and its effective ability to suppress weeds in tough, shaded woodland settings.

While known for rapid coverage, this specific Lamium variety is generally manageable and not overly aggressive, making it a practical choice for large-scale ground covering. Its tolerance for deer and dry soil further solidifies its role as a dependable workhorse perennial in mixed landscape borders and foundation plantings throughout USDA Zones 3 through 8.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to July
• Bloom Description: Pink
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS in the spring or fall after the danger of hard frost has passed, or when soil temperatures are moderate. This ground cover performs best in average, well-drained soil, ideally leaning toward acidic loam, though it handles dry soil well once established. Ensure adequate drainage, as Deadnettle dislikes consistently wet soils, especially during the winter months, which can invite crown rot. For dense ground coverage, space starter plants approximately 6 to 10 inches apart.

Water medium-feeding Lamium regularly until it is established. In summer heat, consistent moisture is crucial, as prolonged dryness combined with full sun can cause leaf scorch. This plant actively dislikes high heat and humidity; to encourage lush growth when summers are intense, ensure soils remain cool. Avoid heavy fertilization, as the plant thrives in average conditions and excessive feeding can lead to overly leggy growth.

Maintenance for Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS is generally low. If unsightly bare patches, known as “melting out,” occur during extreme summer heat or humidity, you can aggressively cut back or shear the foliage. This action stimulates a flush of fresh, attractive new growth that will carry the plant through the season. In mild winter climates, the foliage persists, but gardeners in colder regions should expect some dieback or decline before spring cleanup.

Landscape Uses

Lamium maculatum ‘Ground Cover’ is perfectly suited as a small-scale ground cover for substantial shady areas where lawn alternatives are needed. Its spreading nature means it quickly forms a dense, attractive mat that minimizes weed competition below mature trees or beneath dense shrubbery. It is also effective when used as a subtle border plant along pathways, though vigilant edging may be necessary to control its spread.

Though intolerant of regular foot traffic, Deadnettle cascades beautifully from hanging baskets and containers, where its variegated foliage provides season-long color interest. Pair Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS with other shade-loving perennials that appreciate similar moisture levels, such as Hosta, Astilbe, or ferns, allowing the varying leaf textures to create visual depth in dark garden corners.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Lamium maculatum, commonly called spotted deadnettle, is native to Europe and North Africa to West Asia and forms a mat via sprawling, rooting stems. Clusters of tiny, inconspicuous pink flowers appear at the stem ends in late spring or early summer. The cultivar ‘Checkin’, often sold as PINK CHABLIS, is specifically recognized for its standout pink bloom color complementing its highly variegated foliage.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Heavy Shade
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS is tough and generally resists serious pest or disease issues, keeping maintenance low. Occasional minor issues include visits from slugs or aphids. Gardeners should monitor for fungal issues like leaf blight or leaf spots, often exacerbated by poor air circulation or too much overhead watering. If planting occurs in poorly drained, saturated soils, the primary threat is crown rot. Managing humidity and ensuring soil drains well are the best preventative measures against most common issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Deadnettle suitable for?

Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, spreading to 1 to 1.5 feet wide at maturity.

What sun exposure does Deadnettle need?

This Deadnettle thrives best in part shade to full shade locations; too much direct sun can lead to foliage scorch.

When does Deadnettle bloom?

The plant offers its pink flowers seasonally, blooming reliably from May to July.

Conclusion

Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS offers gardeners an exceptionally durable, low-growing solution for brightening deep shade, relying on its patterned foliage and tolerance for dry conditions. Utilizing this variety of Deadnettle ensures reliable seasonal coverage and textural contrast in woodland environments. Before planting, confirm that your chosen site offers the part shade conditions needed and verify your USDA zone is within the 3 to 8 range for best success.

Companion Planting Guidelines

When selecting partners for Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS, focus on plants that share its preference for partial to deep shade and medium moisture. Ferns are excellent companions, offering contrasting, finely cut textures against the broad leaves of the Deadnettle. Similarly, various shade-tolerant Hosta varieties or Brunnera macrophylla will complement the texture and growth habit of this ground cover without aggressively competing for root space.

Ensure that companion plants are not overly demanding of soil moisture; since Deadnettle handles drought well once established, pairing it with plants that require constantly wet feet can complicate your watering schedule. Avoid herbaceous perennials that require high light or intense afternoon sun, as these placements will cause leaf scorch on the Lamium.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early spring is the ideal time to assess your patches of Deadnettle after winter dormancy. Remove any lingering dead foliage from the previous year and gently top-dress with a light layer of compost if desired, though heavy amendments are usually unnecessary. During the peak summer months, especially in hot climates, keep an eye out for the foliage ‘melting out’; if this occurs, prune back the affected stems by shearing them to encourage a fresh, aesthetic flush of growth before fall.

Watering should be consistent when the plant is young or during dry spells. Because Lamium maculatum ‘Checkin’ PINK CHABLIS dislikes wet winter feet, ensure that late fall cleanup involves ensuring the area around the crowns is not waterlogged before freezing temperatures set in. Minimal intervention is required outside of these specific instances, reinforcing the low-maintenance appeal of this Deadnettle variety.