Lamuim (pink pewter) and Dogs Compete for a Sought After Piece of Realty?

Question

I have a an great oppotunity! A spot in the garden.

And It has everything going for it, such as very little sunlight, compacted soil, and dogs (some people call them dogs, I call them terriers) that patrol through the area everytime they are outside.

What more could I ask for.

I planted some Lamium 'Pink Pewter' I found at a discount price, simply to experiment on livening up the area.

Where the dogs DON'T pass, the plants really look stunning. Where the dogs do trample, the Lamium looks trampled.

On a personal note I like to give dogs freedom to stretch their legs and be where they like to be.

Thats why I'm trying the Lamium. Maybe my aesthetics and the dog's roaming patterns can both be achieved.

I believe Lamuim spreads by stolons, so I figure, let them trample, as they will only spread the plant.

But, as mentioned, some plants are being destroyed.

Do Lamuim recover quickly? Do other plantings better survive dog such beatings? Would Hellebores do?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I think we have a name confusion here. There are two plants that have similar names: Lamium and Lamiastrum. Lamium is a pretty mounding perennial/ groundcover usually with variegated leaves and pink/white/purple flowers. Lamiastrum is it's evil cousin. It too is a groundcover, spreading over plants, rocks and slow moving animals until one day it conquers the Earth. It also has variegated leaves, but yellow flowers.

Lamium isn't so good with any foot traffic. Lamiastrum is okay... but will show signs of being trod on. Rather than either of these, perhaps try Irish Moss (Sagina subulata) or Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata) or take a look at www.premiumplants.net for other "foot friendly" suggestions.

As for Hellebore... no, no way, no how. If the Lamium looks bad, just wait, you haven't seen anything look bad until you've seen Helleborus under foot.

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

You've got terriers, known for digging. If you only problem is trampled Lamium, be thankful!

Yes, Lamium recover quickly. I'd select them over Hellebores.