Cut-leaved Dead-nettle
Lamium hybridum · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cut-leaved dead-nettle: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-persistent depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-July)
- Adult size
- 20-40 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and Western Europe
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, tolerates moisture
- Exposure
- Partial shade to light shade
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist without excessive waterlogging. Water regularly during the spring growing period, then reduce in summer. In autumn and winter, limit watering. Specimens in rich soil naturally retain moisture.
Light Exposure
Cut-leaf deadnettle prefers partial shade or light shade. It tolerates morning sun but appreciates protection from intense afternoon rays. In too dense shade, flowering will be less abundant.
Soil Preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or potting soil before planting. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. This deadnettle enjoys slightly moist but well-structured soils, rich in organic matter.
Pruning and Cutting
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage new branching. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. In late winter, remove stems damaged by frost.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. A second application in early summer supports flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Cut-leaf deadnettle is generally hardy against pests. Watch for powdery mildew in humid, stagnant conditions. Excellent drainage and good air circulation prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Cut-leaf deadnettle was long used in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed detoxifying and tonic properties. Its common name evokes its highly cut and toothed leaves, which distinguish it from its deadnettle cousins. It is a woodland plant that nineteenth-century romantic gardeners appreciated for naturalizing shaded areas of English gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.