Ground coverLamium maculatum
Spotted Dead-nettle
Spotted Dead-nettle is an attractive ground cover with silver-green leaves marked by a distinctive pattern. From April to June, lipped flowers appear in pink, purple, or white. The plant is semi-evergreen and quickly forms an ornamental carpet beneath trees and shrubs.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 15–25 cm
- Spread
- 30–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- pink, purple, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or full shade in ordinary, moisture-retentive garden soil. Dead-nettle is undemanding and tolerates dry shade reasonably well. Water during prolonged dry spells. The plant spreads steadily but is easily managed.
Pruning tips
Cut back flower stems after blooming for a tidier look. If the plant spreads too wide, trim the edges back. In early spring, remove old foliage to make room for fresh growth.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
FernsPolystichum setiferum
Soft Shield Fern
The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.
PerennialsHelleborus orientalis
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.