Lamium maculatum
dead nettle
lamiaceaeHooded pink flowers; green foliage with
gray-green spot on midrib
8–12 in. high; 18–24 in. wide
Full shade–part shade
Blooms April–June
Zones 3–8
pruning In midsummer (early July in
the Midwest) plants usually get tatty,
especially if grown in dry conditions.
Cut or shear all foliage and flowering
stems back to fresh basal leaves, which
accomplishes deadheading in addition
to refreshing the overall appearance.
The new growth that develops remains
attractive through the winter. Plants
may not even require additional
pruning in the spring, as winter
damage usually is minimal. In cooler
northern climates plants may remain
compact without summer cutting
back. Lamium will reseed if the
deadheads are not removed, and
cultivars may not grow true to type.
other maintenance Vigorous
grower, but not invasive, by spreading
roots. Good groundcover for dry shade
once established. Prefers moist,
well-draining conditions. Divide if
needed in spring or autumn.
related plantS Cultivars are
preferred over the species; prune as
above.
Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’
has silver leaves with green margins
and lavender flowers. ‘Shell Pink’ is
light pink and is one of the longest
blooming cultivars. ‘White Nancy’ has
outstanding near-white foliage and
white flowers. ‘Pink Pewter’ has small
silver leaves with a green edge, and
salmon-colored blooms. ‘Anne
Greenaway’ has marbled leaves of
green, silver, and chartreuse.
Lamium galeobdolon ‘Variegatum’,
variegated yellow archangel, should be
sheared back to about 4–6 in. if plants
get leggy, or cut all the way down to
new leaves at the base of the plant if
present. More aggressive than Lamium
maculatum forms. Should not be used
in the perennial border but as a
groundcover in dry shade.
Lamium galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s
Pride’ is more clump forming and less
aggressive than ‘Variegatum’.Lamium maculatum
‘Pink Pewter’