Lamium Care: How to Grow Spotted Dead Nettle

Lamium, commonly known as spotted dead nettle, is a perennial ground cover valued for its durability. The plant has colorful foliage, often variegated with silver, and small, hooded flowers that bloom in pink, white, or purple. Its spreading habit makes it a frequent choice for filling bare spots in the garden, especially in shade. This makes it popular with both new and experienced gardeners.

Lamium Growing Conditions

Light

Most Lamium varieties thrive in partial to full shade, as direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and fade their colors. Cultivars with significant variegation may tolerate a small amount of morning sun, which can enhance their foliage. While deep shade is possible, it may result in less dense growth and fewer flowers.

Soil

Well-drained soil is necessary, as Lamium is adaptable to various soil types but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter like compost can improve drainage. A soil pH close to neutral, in the 6.0 to 6.5 range, is suitable.

Water

Consistent moisture is important when plants are newly installed. Water the plants thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, Lamium is reasonably tolerant of dry shade but looks best when it receives regular water during extended dry periods.

Temperature and Humidity

Spotted dead nettle is a hardy perennial, thriving in USDA zones 4 through 8. It can tolerate cold winters and often remains semi-evergreen in the milder parts of its range. The plant may languish in extreme summer heat but recovers as temperatures cool in the autumn. High humidity is not an issue.

Fertilizer

Lamium has low fertilizer needs. If the soil is particularly poor, a single application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges is sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth and may diminish the foliage variegation. For container-grown plants, a monthly feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season is beneficial.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning controls Lamium’s vigorous spread and encourages dense, compact growth. After the first wave of flowers fades in late spring or early summer, shearing the plant back stimulates a fresh flush of foliage. This tidies the plant’s appearance and can sometimes encourage a second, smaller bloom.

If plants look leggy during mid-summer, cutting them back rejuvenates them for the fall. For large plantings, a lawn mower on a high setting can efficiently trim the area, while hand shears are sufficient for smaller patches. Cut the foliage back by about one-third to one-half to encourage new, vibrant growth.

This plant spreads by runners that root where they touch the ground. While this makes it an effective ground cover, it can also spread into unwanted areas. To manage this, trim the edges of the planting as needed throughout the growing season. Any removed rooted runners can be easily transplanted to other areas of the garden.

Common Lamium Problems

A frequent issue is root rot, which occurs when the soil is persistently wet. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and wilting stems. If root rot is suspected, reduce watering and ensure the soil is not compacted. In severe cases, it may be necessary to move the plant to a better-suited location.

In humid conditions with poor air circulation, powdery mildew can appear on the leaves as a white, dusty coating. While not fatal, it detracts from the plant’s appearance. Improve air movement by thinning dense patches or trimming surrounding vegetation. Fungicidal soaps can be used in persistent cases, as improving cultural conditions is the most effective solution.

Pests are not a significant issue, but slugs and snails may feed on the tender foliage, leaving ragged holes in the leaves. Using organic slug baits or creating barriers with coarse materials like crushed eggshells can deter them. Aphids may occasionally appear but can be managed by spraying them off with a steady stream of water.