Lamium maculatum, deadnettle
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Perennials

Lamium maculatum

deadnettle

LamiaceaeEurope, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
Width18–36 inches (45–90 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Lamium maculatum, commonly called spotted deadnettle, is a low-growing, rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial groundcover in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain and western Europe east through the Caucasus to Iran and central Asia. It spreads by stolons and rooting stems to form dense, weed-suppressing mats 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall, with opposite, toothed, heart-shaped to triangular leaves on square stems — typical of the mint family. The species epithet maculatum (spotted) refers to the central silver or white stripe or blotch that marks the leaves of the type and many cultivars, creating year-round foliage interest even when the plant is not in flower. Two-lipped flowers in pink, purple, or white are produced in whorled clusters from spring through summer. Despite the common name "deadnettle," the plant has no stinging hairs — the "dead" refers to the absence of sting. Numerous cultivars have been selected for foliage: 'White Nancy' (silver leaves, white flowers), 'Beacon Silver' (silver leaves, pink flowers), 'Pink Pewter' (silver leaves, pink flowers), and 'Aureum' (gold leaves) are among the most widely grown in Pacific Northwest gardens. The plant can spread aggressively in moist, fertile conditions; monitor and contain as needed.

Native Range

Native to Europe and temperate Asia, from Britain and western Europe east through central Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran to central Asia. The species grows in moist, shaded woodland, hedgerows, and disturbed ground in humus-rich soils. Widely naturalized in North America; not native to the continent.

Suggested Uses

Spotted deadnettle is one of the most effective and versatile shade groundcovers for Pacific Northwest gardens, providing year-round silver foliage interest and spring-summer flowers under trees, on north-facing slopes, and in any shaded position where few other plants thrive. Particularly useful for underplanting deciduous trees and shrubs, suppressing weeds on shaded banks, and filling gaps in mixed shade borders. Combines effectively with Hosta, Astilbe, Epimedium, and ferns. The silvery-foliaged cultivars such as 'White Nancy' and 'Beacon Silver' provide strong contrast in dark spaces. Monitor spread and contain as needed in small gardens.

How to Identify

Spotted deadnettle is identified by its square stems, opposite, toothed, heart-shaped leaves with a distinctive central silver or white stripe or blotch, and two-lipped, hooded flowers in whorled clusters. The stems root at the nodes as they spread along the ground. The leaves have a slightly rough texture but no stinging hairs — rubbing them produces no sting, distinguishing Lamium from true nettles (Urtica). The square stem, opposite toothed leaves with silver markings, and rooting stolons are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
purple
white

Foliage Colors

green
silver

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
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SpringSummer
Spotted deadnettle blooms from spring through summer, typically April through July in Pacific Northwest gardens, with a peak in May and June. Two-lipped flowers in pink, purple, or white are carried in whorled clusters along the stem tips. Deadheading or shearing after the first flush of bloom in June encourages a second flush of both flowers and fresh foliage. The silvery-variegated foliage is attractive throughout the growing season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink, purple, or white; two-lipped, hooded, in whorled clusters

Foliage Description

Heart-shaped to triangular, toothed, green with central silver or white stripe or blotch

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaypeat
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant spotted deadnettle in partial to full shade in moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. The species is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions but performs best with consistent moisture; it may go summer-dormant or look ragged in hot, dry positions. In Pacific Northwest gardens it is one of the most reliable shade groundcovers and requires minimal care once established. Shear the entire planting back by half in late June or July after the first bloom flush to refresh the foliage, promote a second flowering, and prevent the plant from looking untidy. Divide or thin spreading mats every two to three years in spring if they become too aggressive.

Pruning

Shear the entire planting back by one-half in late June or early July after the first flush of flowering, cutting to fresh basal growth with garden shears or a trimmer. This removes spent flower stems and tired foliage, producing a fresh carpet of silver-marked leaves and often a second round of flowers in late summer. In autumn, cut back any brown or frost-damaged foliage. Divide congested mats in early spring.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic