Yellow Archangel
lamium galeobdolon
Also known as: ["Lamiastrum galeobdolon","Golden Groundsel","Wolverine"]
Overview
A perennial plant with creeping stems and yellow flowers, often used as a ground cover.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lamium |
| Botanical Name: | Lamium galeobdolon |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: ground cover in shaded garden beds or woodland settings
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to moderately draining; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; prefers loamy or sandy soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to sunlight changes; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden beds or under trees.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is best; avoid harsh afternoon light; suitable for shady spots.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, fertile, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid extreme heat.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive growth; stop in late fall to prepare for dormancy; water before fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone (optional), plant in moist medium, keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Optional but can help speed up rooting; use a mild rooting hormone if desired.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems, remove dead or yellowing leaves, shape as desired.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Clean tools, remove dead/damaged growth, shape plant, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one (1–2 inches wider).
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare fresh soil, gently remove plant, trim roots, repot, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.
Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; mulch around roots to insulate; avoid planting in exposed, windy areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop in high temperatures; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, fertilize during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Lamium galeobdolon may experience mild gastrointestinal issues. The plant is not highly toxic to cats but can cause mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lamium galeobdolon may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLamium galeobdolon, commonly known as yellow archangel, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lamium galeobdolon invasive?
A: It can be somewhat aggressive in suitable conditions but is generally manageable.
Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can it be grown in full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate some sun if kept moist.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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