Spotted Dead Nettles: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Maintaining Them

Spotted dead nettles are an excellent choice for perennial ground covers in areas with shade. These plants can spread and fill in a bare patch of land that would otherwise be taken over by weeds. In some regions, they may remain evergreen in sheltered areas, while in others, they appear as semi-evergreen herbaceous plants, depending on the growing conditions.

The spotted dead nettle plant, also known as spotted henbit, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is listed as invasive in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. It is mainly found in the upper eastern states and has both attractive flowers and foliage, making it an essential part of any landscape.

Growing up to 6-9 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide, Lamium maculatum generally stands less than a foot tall. However, its variegated foliage spreads out to twice or thrice its height. The plant’s silvery leaves are more popular than its flowers, but the flowers themselves are quite beautiful.

These creepers have a tendency to spread and are commonly used as flowering ground covers in cottage gardens. They grow exceptionally well in shady areas, making them a perfect fit for landscapes with creative color schemes. The stems of these plants root where they touch the soil, allowing them to spread and form a mat. While this is great for covering problem areas, it can be a bit of trouble if you’re trying to grow them in a place where you need a well-behaved plant. Therefore, you must choose the right spot to grow these plants carefully.

If you’re looking for companion plants, consider other shade-lovers like Barrenwort (Epimedium), Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), or any of the Hosta species. Some leaves may revert back to an all-green color, but pruning these out will prevent the green color from taking over the plant.

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Caution must be exercised when growing spotted dead nettles as they can be invasive depending on the area you reside in. It is advisable to check with your local county extension for any warnings issued for your region. These plants thrive in full to partial shade and require minimal watering in full shade, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscaping. They are one of the best perennials for shade and grow well in acidic, well-drained, loamy soil. Compost can be added to clayey soil to improve drainage. Spotted dead nettles require very little care if planted in full shade, but more water is needed if they receive more sunlight as they perform best in evenly moist soil. While they have a wide range, spotted dead nettles do not do well in very warm, humid locations. Compost is sufficient for fertilizing these plants, although manure tea is an acceptable substitute.

The yellow archangel is a relative of spotted dead nettles that offers similar value and requires similar conditions. However, it is more aggressive. There are several cultivars of L. maculatum, all cold-hardy to at least zone 4, most 3 to 12 inches tall, and all wanting the sun/soil conditions of the species plant. Spotted dead nettles are flowering perennials that resemble stinging nettles. However, the stingers are dead on L. maculatum, making it harmless.

Pruning should be carried out in the summer after the first blooming period. Mature plants that have grown leggy should be cut down to just above the ground, which will then grow back into a bushy, compact plant. Propagation of spotted dead nettles is possible through runners, dividing, or cuttings. They can also be grown in containers or hanging baskets with other flowering plants that require partial to full shade.

Spotted dead nettles have few problems in the north, and they are deer-resistant plants. However, in the south, they may develop problems with leaf-spotting due to the high humidity. Snails and slugs are the main pests for this plant, although aphids can also attach themselves to the stems and leaves. Spotted dead nettles are deciduous in colder regions but remain semi-evergreen in other areas. To encourage new growth in the spring, cut them back after the first frost or in late autumn, depending on your location.