Red dead-nettle
Lamium purpureum · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant red 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-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- February to May, pink-purple flowers
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa
- Soil type
- All soils, undemanding
- Exposure
- Partial shade to shade
Care
Watering
Purple deadnettle tolerates drought well once established. Water moderately during periods of intense heat or prolonged dry spells. Under natural conditions or in rich soil, regular watering is generally unnecessary. Avoid excess water, which would encourage rot.
Exposure
This plant thrives in partial shade or full shade, ideal under trees or shrubs. It also tolerates light morning sun. In very hot regions, partial shade is preferable to maintain soil moisture and keep the foliage cool.
Pruning
No mandatory pruning required. A spring cleanup (removing dead or damaged foliage) is sufficient. You can lightly pinch young shoots to encourage bushier and denser growth.
Soil type
Purple deadnettle adapts to practically all soil types. It prefers well-draining substrate but also tolerates clay and chalky soils. Adding compost at planting improves establishment, but is not essential.
Fertilizing
Undemanding, purple deadnettle generally requires no regular fertilizer applications. A light organic mulch in spring is sufficient. In very poor soil, a balanced fertilizer can be applied once at the start of the growing season.
Diseases and pests
Purple deadnettle is very resistant and rarely affected by serious diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in cases of stagnant humidity. Remove affected parts and improve air circulation. Pests are exceptional on this robust species.
Did you know?
Purple deadnettle flowers very early in late winter, providing nectar and pollen to hungry bees and butterflies after winter. In traditional European herbalism, its young leaves were eaten as an edible herb or brewed into tea, though this practice is now less common. Its English name "dead-nettle" comes from its resemblance to the stinging nettle, but without the irritating hairs.
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.