It can be aggressive in ideal conditions, so keep an eye on it to ensure it does not spread beyond its intended area.

Does it need full sun?

No, it prefers partial to full shade and will likely burn in intense afternoon sun.

Plant guide

Pink Splash variegated deadnettle.

Lamium maculatum

Pronounced LAY-mee-um mack-yoo-LAY-tum

Also known as Spotted Dead-nettle

Pink Splash is a lovely, low growing perennial that brightens up shady spots in the garden. It features striking variegated leaves with a central silver stripe and produces charming pink flowers. This plant spreads nicely to form a dense ground cover.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 20cm tall by 60cm wide
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watch for powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor or the foliage stays wet too long. Trim back the stems after the first bloom to encourage a fresh flush of growth and flowers.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Shear back after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or needs division.
Soil: Well draining, humus rich soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -25 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant looks crowded and stops growing.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The plant is not considered a significant ingestion risk, but the stems can be slightly fuzzy, which might irritate sensitive skin.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the fine hairs on the stems.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: While some species of Lamium are considered edible, it is best to avoid consuming this ornamental variety due to potential chemical treatments.

How to identify it

Silver stripe down leaf center
Heart shaped serrated green leaves
Snapdragon like pink flowers
Low growing spreading habit

Height: 0.15 to 0.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, silver, semi-evergreen
Flowers: pink, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth on leaves caused by poor air circulation or high humidity.
Slugs and snails — These pests feed on the foliage, leaving behind ragged holes.

Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder climates, the foliage may die back to the ground. Simply clear away any dead or mushy stems in early spring to make room for new growth.
In containers: It works very well in containers as a trailing element, requiring at least a 6 inch pot.

Division

Dig up a clump in spring or autumn.
Gently pull the root mass apart into smaller sections.
Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant.

Stem cuttings

Take a 4 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
Remove the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in moist soil or water until roots develop.

Pair this plant with taller shade lovers to create a layered look that covers the ground effectively.

Grows well with

Hosta — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns — The contrasting textures look lovely together in a woodland setting.
Heuchera — The colorful foliage of coral bells complements the silver leaves of the deadnettle.

Keep away from

Sun loving perennials — They will struggle in the shade where the deadnettle thrives.

Similar species

Lamium galeobdolon — This is a much more aggressive spreader that can become a nuisance.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Lamium
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and temperate Asia.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern and is widely cultivated.

It thrives in cool, moist, shaded woodland environments where it forms dense mats that suppress weeds.

Value to wildlife: early season nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: ground cover, container filler, shade garden accent

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it invasive?: It can be aggressive in ideal conditions, so keep an eye on it to ensure it does not spread beyond its intended area.
Does it need full sun?: No, it prefers partial to full shade and will likely burn in intense afternoon sun.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Lamium comes from the Greek word for throat, referring to the shape of the flowers. The specific epithet maculatum refers to the characteristic silver spots on the foliage.

Good to know

It is commonly known as spotted deadnettle because its leaves resemble stinging nettle but it lacks the sting.
The name maculatum means spotted in Latin, referring to the leaf markings.
It spreads by creeping stems that root where they touch the soil.

Is your pink splash variegated deadnettle looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.