Wrinkled Deadnettle

lamium flexuosum

Also known as: ["Wrinkled Deadnettle","Lamium flexuosum"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Lamium Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with creeping stems and wrinkled leaves, native to parts of Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Lamium
Botanical Name: Lamium flexuosum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: shady garden beds or woodland settings
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning every 2–3 months; heavy pruning annually in late winter or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on desired shape and rejuvenation needs.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; place in filtered light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light based on season.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C).

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate indoor temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushiness; cut back stems to encourage new growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth and may cause leaf drop or browning in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a protective layer of mulch; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop in excessive heat above 85°F (29°C).

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lamium flexuosum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Lamium flexuosum can result from water stress, either due to drought or waterlogging, which disrupts nutrient uptake and can lead to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Lamium flexuosum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and weakened plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Lamium flexuosum is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential systemic infections.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Lamium flexuosum is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant health risk if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats that may ingest Lamium flexuosum.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Lamium flexuosum is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant health risk if ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs that may ingest Lamium flexuosum.
Humans
Non-toxic

Lamium flexuosum is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human consumption of Lamium flexuosum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lamium flexuosum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to care for?

A: It is easy to care for and requires low maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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