Spotted deadnettle
Lamium maculatum · Lamiaceae
📷 Tomasz Kuran aka Meteor2017 · CC BY 2.5
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spotted deadnettle: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- April to June, pink or purplish flowers
- Adult size
- 25-30 cm tall, spreading habit 45-60 cm
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Europe and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, tolerates shade
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Robust deadnettle, durable ground cover for shade to part-shade. Very decorative mottled foliage year-round.
The common mistake
Wanting full sun: foliage fades and flowers abort.
The pro's trick
Lightly pinch stems in May if you find it too sprawling: it densifies and flowers more abundantly.
Care
Exposure
Spotted deadnettle thrives in part shade, beneath tree canopy or along north-facing walls. It also tolerates sun, especially in cool climates, but flowers better in dappled light. Avoid areas too sunny and hot in summer, which can reduce the vigour of the variegated foliage.
Watering
Water regularly in spring and summer to keep the soil moist, without excess moisture. Once established, deadnettle is fairly drought-tolerant and doesn't need frequent watering. In winter, reduce water significantly.
Soil and planting
Favour soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich the soil with compost or potting soil at planting time. Deadnettle adapts to poor soils, but develops more vigorous foliage in fertile soil.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch stems regularly in spring to encourage compact, bushy growth. Remove spent flowers to extend flowering. In late winter, tidy the base by removing dead or frost-damaged leaves.
Fertiliser
An application of well-rotted compost in spring is quite sufficient. A balanced fertiliser diluted at the beginning of the season can support flowering, but deadnettle doesn't require heavy feeding. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favour foliage at the expense of flowers.
Health and pests
Spotted deadnettle is very robust and seldom subject to serious diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in cases of excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Slugs and snails may occasionally nibble young leaves. Good air circulation and appropriate drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Spotted deadnettle is called 'spotted white nettle' because of its leaves marked with a characteristic silvery or white band. In the Middle Ages, herbalists used it to stem bleeding, hence its Latin name 'Lamium' which may derive from the Greek 'lamos' (throat). Today it remains an excellent woodland ground cover that enriches shaded gardens with a touch of light thanks to its variegated foliage.
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.