Purple Deadnettle
lamium purpureum
Also known as: ["Red Deadnettle","Purple Archangel"]
Overview
A low-growing annual plant with purple-tinged leaves and small, hooded flowers, often found in disturbed soils and gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Lamium |
| Botanical Name: | Lamium purpureum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden beds, rockeries, or as a ground cover in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to maintain appearance and vigor.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control spread.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; prioritize soil moisture over frequent light watering.
Soil
well-draining, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; test soil pH annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.
Protect from frost; provide shade in summer; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing before winter dormancy; use a balanced formula for even growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or self-seeding; stem cuttings are more reliable for controlled propagation.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process and improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide gentle warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; shear lightly after flowering to tidy up the plant.
Pruning Plan
Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting surfaces.
Checklist
Disinfect tools before use; prune in early morning or evening; remove dead or damaged growth; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during flowering or dormancy.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, with a diameter 2–3 inches wider.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot; trim any circling roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing overcrowding.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly and infrequently, allowing soil to dry between waterings; increase frequency during prolonged drought or hot weather.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; frost can damage or kill tender parts.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid planting in areas prone to frost pockets; mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil moisture before fertilizing; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply evenly around the base; rinse tools after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLamium purpureum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are harmful to felines, making it safe in typical exposure scenarios.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicLamium purpureum is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicLamium purpureum, commonly known as deadnettle, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Purple Deadnettle invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions due to its rapid growth and self-seeding habit.
Q: Does Purple Deadnettle have any medicinal uses?
A: Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine for minor ailments, but modern use is limited.
Q: How can I control Purple Deadnettle in my garden?
A: Hand-pulling or hoeing before flowering can prevent seed spread; mulching may also help suppress growth.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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