Spotted Deadnettle
Lamium maculatum
Also listed as Lamium gundelsheimeri, Lamium truncatum
Also known as Variegated Dead-nettle
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing groundcover with heart-shaped leaves spotted with silvery markings and small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It spreads readily and is excellent for shaded areas, woodland gardens, and edging.
Why grow it
Spotted deadnettle offers reliable shade tolerance and ground coverage in areas where many ornamentals struggle, particularly in dry shade beneath established trees. Its variegated foliage provides visual interest over a longer season than flowering alone, making it useful for layering in woodland edge plantings. Compared to other Lamium species, L. maculatum is notably more compact and less aggressive, suiting smaller garden spaces where other deadnettles might overextend.
Watch out for
In consistently moist conditions, spotted deadnettle can develop fungal issues, particularly powdery mildew on foliage. It performs best with good air circulation even in shade, so avoid planting in dense, stagnant microclimates. In very rich soils it may become leggy; leaner conditions typically support denser, more attractive growth habit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing groundcover with heart-shaped leaves spotted with silvery markings and small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It spreads readily and is excellent for shaded areas, woodland gardens, and edging.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Spotted Deadnettle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Spotted deadnettle offers reliable shade tolerance and ground coverage in areas where many ornamentals struggle, particularly in dry shade beneath established trees. Its variegated foliage provides visual interest over a longer season than flowering alone, making it useful for layering in woodland edge plantings. Compared to other Lamium species, L. maculatum is notably more compact and less aggressive, suiting smaller garden spaces where other deadnettles might overextend.
Watch out for
In consistently moist conditions, spotted deadnettle can develop fungal issues, particularly powdery mildew on foliage. It performs best with good air circulation even in shade, so avoid planting in dense, stagnant microclimates. In very rich soils it may become leggy; leaner conditions typically support denser, more attractive growth habit.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Europe, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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