Lamium (Dead Nettle) Growth and Care Guide

Lamium, commonly known as Dead Nettle, is a low-growing perennial prized for its attractive foliage and dependable performance in shade and part-shade gardens. It spreads gently to form a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover while staying soft and manageable in the landscape. Many varieties feature silver-patterned leaves that brighten darker areas of the garden year-round. In spring and early summer, Lamium produces small but showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white that add seasonal interest and pollinator appeal.

This Plant Guide covers everything you need to know to grow this groundcover successfully. We’ll walk through planting tips, sunlight and soil preferences, watering needs, and long-term maintenance. You’ll also learn which varieties perform best, common mistakes to avoid, and how to use Lamium effectively in gardens and landscapes.

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By: Reggie Meehan (01/22/2026)

Introduction to Lamium

Lamium, commonly known as Dead Nettle, is a versatile perennial ground cover prized for its adaptability, vibrant foliage, and delicate blooms. With its heart-shaped leaves and colorful flower clusters, Lamium thrives where other plants struggle, making it an ideal solution for shady garden spaces and weed suppression. The plant's ability to establish quickly and create lush, low-growing mats of foliage makes it a gardener's favorite for filling borders, woodland areas, and neglected corners.

A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), Lamium belongs to a genus of around 50 unique species. Its name, “Dead Nettle,” highlights its distinction from the stinging nettle, as it lacks the irritating hairs found on its relative. Instead, gardeners are met with soft, textured leaves in shades of silver, green, and variegated patterns, accompanied by flowers in hues of purple, pink, and white. Native to Europe and Asia, Lamium has become a staple in gardens worldwide, valued for its ability to flourish in partial to full shade and adapt to various soil types. 

I first discovered Lamium while searching for a solution to revive a shady, forgotten corner of my garden. Other plants had failed to take hold, but Lamium's fast growth and lush foliage brought the space to life. The mix of purple flowers and silvery leaves added brightness and color where I least expected it. To this day, it remains one of my go-to solutions for areas where both beauty and practicality are needed. Whether you’re looking to create a woodland retreat or fill a gap in a shaded border, Lamium is a plant that never disappoints.

Characteristics of Lamium

Lamium stands out for its versatility and unique appearance. Whether used as ground cover, edging, or filler in shady beds, its striking foliage and flowers make it an asset in any garden. The plant is also known for its fast growth rate and ability to tolerate a variety of challenging conditions, including poor soils and partial shade. Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.

Size and Growth Habit

Lamium, commonly known as dead nettle, typically grows to a modest height of 6–12 inches, with a spread that can extend several feet, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Its trailing stems root wherever they touch the ground, creating a dense, interconnected mat of foliage that effectively suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil. This creeping habit makes Lamium a top choice for preventing soil erosion on slopes and filling in bare, shaded areas where many other plants struggle to thrive. Its rapid growth allows it to quickly establish itself, transforming neglected garden spaces into lush, textured landscapes.

Leaves and Flowers

Lamium’s leaves are heart-shaped and often have a silvery or variegated pattern, depending on the variety. The foliage remains attractive year-round in mild climates, adding texture and visual interest even during the dormant season. Certain varieties, like 'White Nancy' or 'Purple Dragon,' are especially valued for their eye-catching leaf coloration. The leaves also offer a soft, velvety texture, making them stand out from smoother foliage in a mixed planting bed. Their variegated patterns create contrast when paired with solid green plants, helping to break up visual monotony in shady garden areas.

The tubular flowers bloom from spring to early summer in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow, depending on the species. These blooms attract pollinators like bees, making Lamium a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The colorful flowers provide a much-needed nectar source during early spring when other plants have yet to bloom, supporting the local ecosystem. Flower clusters often appear in tight, upright formations, creating bursts of color that stand out against the silvery foliage. As the flowers fade, the foliage continues to maintain the garden's aesthetic appeal, ensuring the space remains lively and vibrant throughout the growing season.

Is Lamium Annual or Perennial?

Lamium is a perennial plant, meaning it reliably returns year after year, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9. In milder climates, such as Zone 8A, Lamium maintains its lush greenery throughout the year, providing visual interest even in the colder months. During spring and summer, it rewards gardeners with charming blooms that add pops of color to shady garden areas. Its perennial nature makes it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping, as it minimizes the need for frequent replanting and reduces long-term maintenance efforts.

Best Varieties of Lamium

We’ve tested a wide range of Lamium (Dead Nettle) varieties in real garden conditions, focusing on foliage quality, flowering performance, growth habit, and long-term reliability. These are the Lamium varieties we most confidently recommend for both home gardens and professional landscapes.

Nancy Series

The Nancy Series is one of the most dependable and visually refined groups of Lamium available. Both Red Nancy and White Nancy feature luminous silver foliage edged in green, creating a clean, high-contrast look that instantly brightens shaded areas. Red Nancy offers soft pinkish-red flowers, while White Nancy produces crisp white blooms that feel especially fresh in darker garden spaces. Compared to more aggressive groundcovers, the Nancy series spreads at a controlled pace, forming a dense but tidy mat that works beautifully under trees, along walkways, or at the front of shade borders.

Purple Dragon

A standout choice for gardeners who want bold color without sacrificing reliability. Purple Dragon features deep purple flowers are larger and more vivid than many other Lamium varieties, creating strong seasonal interest in spring and early summer. The silver-marked foliage has a darker undertone, giving it a richer, more dramatic look compared to lighter varieties like the Nancy series. Purple Dragon tends to grow slightly faster and fuller, making it ideal for filling in larger shaded areas where quick coverage and visual impact are priorities.

Golden Anniversary

Golden Anniversary offers a completely different look, making it an excellent contrast plant in mixed shade plantings. Its chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage glows in partial shade and provides color even when the plant is not in bloom. Soft lavender flowers appear above the foliage, adding gentle contrast without overpowering the leaves. Compared to silver-leaf varieties, Golden Anniversary is especially effective at warming up shaded areas and pairs beautifully with darker greens, hostas, and ferns for a layered, intentional design.

How to Grow & Care For Lamium

Lamium is a resilient plant that thrives with minimal care, making it a favorite among beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your Lamium plants remain healthy, vibrant, and full of colorful blooms throughout the growing season.

Planting Lamium

The best time to plant Lamium is during spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing the roots to establish before extreme weather arrives. Space the plants 12–18 inches apart to give them room to spread naturally and form a lush ground cover. When planting, ensure the root ball sits level with the soil surface, as planting too deep can lead to rot. After planting, water the area thoroughly to help the roots settle into their new environment. Proper planting techniques will set your Lamium up for a strong start.

Sunlight Requirements

Lamium thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for shady gardens and woodland borders. While some varieties can tolerate morning sun, avoid exposing them to the harsh afternoon sun, as it can scorch their delicate leaves. If you have a garden area with dappled shade or areas that get filtered sunlight, Lamium will happily flourish in these conditions.

Soil Requirements

Although Lamium prefers well-draining soil, it’s highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of soil types. For optimal growth, aim for loamy or sandy soil with moderate fertility. Heavy clay soils should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage, as overly compacted soil can trap moisture and lead to root rot.

Watering Needs

Water Lamium regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once the plant is well-established, it becomes more drought-tolerant, though it still appreciates an occasional drink during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause the roots to rot, especially in poorly draining soil.

Fertilizer Needs

One of the benefits of growing Lamium is that it requires minimal fertilization. For most gardeners, a single application of balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient. If you notice slow growth or pale foliage, a small boost of nutrients may help, but over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth, so moderation is key.

Pruning & Deadheading

Pruning Lamium in early spring encourages fresh, healthy growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. Deadheading spent flowers also extends the blooming season, allowing you to enjoy vibrant flowers for a longer period. Regular maintenance not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also stimulates new growth, keeping your garden lively and lush.

Overwintering

Lamium is a hardy perennial, but in colder climates, a little winter preparation can ensure it returns strong in spring. Mulch lightly around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In early spring, remove any damaged or dead foliage to encourage fresh, healthy growth as the weather warms up.

Common Pests

Lamium is generally pest-resistant, but aphids can occasionally become a problem. If aphids are present, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Slugs and snails may also be attracted to the foliage, especially in damp, shady environments. To deter these pests, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant or use organic slug bait as a preventative measure.

Common Diseases

Two common diseases that affect Lamium are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew typically occurs in areas with poor air circulation and high humidity. To prevent it, space plants properly and avoid overhead watering. Root rot is caused by waterlogged soil, so ensuring well-draining soil is essential. If root rot occurs, you may need to replant in a better-draining location.

Common Mistakes

Several common mistakes can impact the health and appearance of Lamium. Planting in full sun is one of the most frequent errors, as excessive sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to yellow and wither. Overwatering is another common mistake, as it leads to soggy roots and potential root rot. Additionally, failing to prune the plant can cause it to become leggy, which reduces its overall visual appeal. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your Lamium stays lush, vibrant, and healthy.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few misconceptions about Lamium that are worth addressing. Many gardeners believe Lamium is invasive due to its fast growth and spreading nature. While it does spread quickly, it’s easy to manage and can be controlled with pruning or barriers. Another misconception is that Lamium can only grow in shady gardens.

While it does thrive in shade, certain varieties can tolerate partial sun, giving gardeners more flexibility in where they plant it. Lastly, some people assume that Lamium is purely ornamental, but in reality, certain varieties, like Purple Dead Nettle, have medicinal and edible uses, making it both a functional and beautiful addition to the garden.

Using Lamium in the Garden

Lamium’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to many garden designs, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its ability to thrive in partial to full shade allows it to fill spaces where other plants struggle, making it a go-to choice for shaded gardens, woodland borders, and areas beneath trees and shrubs.

Ground Cover

Lamium’s trailing habit and dense foliage make it an exceptional ground cover for shady areas where other plants may struggle to thrive. Its ability to spread rapidly and root as it grows allows it to fill in bare patches of soil, creating a lush, carpet-like appearance. This natural ground cover not only prevents soil erosion but also suppresses weeds, reducing the need for manual weeding.

The added benefit of variegated leaves brings visual interest to areas that would otherwise appear dull, making Lamium a popular choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting around trees and shrubs. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a reliable option for gardeners seeking a beautiful yet hassle-free solution for ground cover.

Pollinator Gardens

The tubular flowers of Lamium serve as a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Blooming from spring to early summer, these flowers provide an essential nectar source when many other plants have yet to bloom. By planting Lamium in pollinator gardens, you support the local ecosystem while adding color and texture to shady areas. 

Pair Lamium with other shade-loving, pollinator-friendly plants like hostas, ferns, and astilbes to create a dynamic, multi-layered garden that attracts and sustains a variety of wildlife. Since the flowers grow in clusters and bloom in purple, pink, white, or yellow, they offer eye-catching contrast against the silvery foliage, making pollinator gardens not just functional but also visually stunning.

Container Gardening

Compact Lamium varieties like ‘White Nancy’ are perfectly suited for container gardening, bringing color, texture, and interest to patios, balconies, and shaded entryways. Its trailing nature makes it an ideal "spiller" plant for container arrangements, gracefully cascading over the edges of pots. Pair Lamium with taller shade-loving plants, such as coleus or ferns, to achieve a balanced and layered look. 

Since Lamium thrives in partial to full shade, it’s a versatile addition to container gardens placed in areas where direct sun is limited. Its drought tolerance also makes it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners or those with less time for watering. Container gardening with Lamium offers flexibility in design, allowing gardeners to reposition and experiment with new arrangements as the seasons change.

Lamium Brightens Shady Beds

Looking to grow Lamium, also known as Dead Nettle, in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer premium Lamium plants known for their striking silver-marbled foliage and charming clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers. This fast-growing groundcover thrives in shade to part sun and is perfect for filling in under trees, along borders, or in woodland gardens. Lamium spreads gently but reliably, creating a soft carpet of color and texture that suppresses weeds while staying low-maintenance. Its long bloom period and attractive foliage make it a garden favorite from spring through fall. Add Lamium to your shade garden today for beauty, coverage, and ease.