It can be aggressive in ideal conditions, but it is generally easy to manage by pulling.

Does it need full sun?

No, it prefers partial to full shade and may scorch in hot, direct sun.

Plant guide

Spotted dead-nettle.

Lamium maculatum

Pronounced LAY-mee-um mak-yoo-LAY-tum

Also known as Spotted Dead-nettle, Spotted dead nettle

Spotted deadnettle — Photo by Tom Norton (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming groundcover is a favorite for brightening up shady spots in the garden. It features lovely heart shaped leaves with a distinct silver stripe down the center. You will enjoy its delicate, hooded flowers that bloom from spring through early summer.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial groundcover
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 8 inches tall by 24 inches wide
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for wilting during hot spells, which signals it needs a drink. Trim back leggy stems to encourage a fuller, more compact appearance.

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 the first flush of flowers to promote new growth.
Repotting: Divide the plant every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Soil: Humus rich, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -25 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
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.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The 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 known to be a danger to children, but ingestion should always be discouraged.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the foliage hairs.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be avoided for consumption.

How to identify it

Heart shaped leaves with silver variegation
Square stems typical of mint family
Hooded flowers in pink, purple, or white
Low growing trailing habit

Height: 0.15 to 0.25m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, silver, white, semi-evergreen
Flowers: pink, purple, white, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Powdery MildewCommon
Slugs and SnailsCommon
AphidsUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder climates, the foliage may die back significantly. Simply clear away any mushy or dead stems in early spring to make room for new growth.
In containers: It works well in hanging baskets or mixed containers, provided the soil remains consistently moist.

Division

1. Dig up a clump in spring or autumn.
2. Gently pull the root mass apart into smaller sections.
3. Replant the sections immediately in moist soil.

Plant in groups to create a dense carpet that effectively shades out competing weeds.

Grows well with

Hosta — They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns — The textures of the foliage contrast beautifully in shady beds.
Bleeding Heart — It provides a lovely backdrop for the delicate flowers of the bleeding heart.

Similar species

Yellow Archangel — It is a related species but often considered more invasive.

Science

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

It thrives in moist, shaded woodland floors 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

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it invasive?: It can be aggressive in ideal conditions, but it is generally easy to manage by pulling.
Does it need full sun?: No, it prefers partial to full shade and may scorch in hot, direct sun.

Where the name comes from

The name Lamium comes from the Greek word for throat, referring to the shape of the flowers. Maculatum means spotted, describing the leaf markings.

Good to know

It is commonly known as spotted deadnettle.
The name deadnettle refers to its resemblance to stinging nettle, but it lacks the stinging hairs.
It spreads quickly via creeping stems that root where they touch the soil.

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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.