Dead Nettle
lamium maculatum
Also known as: ["Spotted Dead Nettle","White Dead Nettle"]
Overview
A creeping perennial herb with variegated leaves and small, hooded flowers, often used as a ground cover.
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 maculatum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in shaded areas, under trees, or as ground cover
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; prefers loamy or sandy soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done anytime; major pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates 2–4 hours of morning sun or dappled light throughout the day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from deep shade; avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden beds or under trees.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; morning light is best.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler conditions and can suffer in prolonged heat.
Protect from frost; keep cool in summer; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late fall to allow the plant to rest.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-based mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity until roots form.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim back leggy stems to just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant; 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 rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure; mix in perlite or sand to enhance 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
Prolonged cold can cause leaf damage, slow growth, or dormancy; frost can be fatal to tender parts.
Solution: Provide winter protection in colder climates; mulch around the base; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat.
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 only; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLamium maculatum is not considered toxic to cats. It is generally safe for consumption and handling.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLamium maculatum is not considered toxic to dogs. It is generally safe for consumption and handling.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLamium maculatum is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally safe for consumption and handling.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lamium maculatum invasive?
A: It can spread aggressively in favorable conditions but is generally manageable in gardens.
Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees and butterflies due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Can it be grown in full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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