Botanical Name: Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’

Common Name: Dead Nettle

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

Mature Size: 6–8" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Creeping, Mat-Forming Groundcover

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (tolerates some morning sun)

Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Adaptable to Most Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Spring to Early Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Weed Suppressing, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Groundcover, Shade Borders, Under Trees, Woodland Gardens, Containers

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More Information About Lamium ‘Red Nancy’

Lamium ‘Red Nancy’ is a refined shade groundcover valued for its bright silver foliage edged in green and soft rose-pink flowers that appear in spring. The foliage remains the primary ornamental feature, holding its color well through the growing season and staying attractive even when not in bloom. Its low, creeping habit allows it to knit together into a dense mat that suppresses weeds without overtaking nearby plants. In mild climates, the foliage remains semi-evergreen, providing year-round interest in shaded beds.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Red Nancy has proven to be one of the most balanced Lamium varieties available. It spreads consistently without becoming aggressive, fills in evenly, and maintains a clean, polished look with minimal maintenance. We especially appreciate how well it performs in bright shade, where its silver foliage noticeably lifts and lightens darker planting areas.

Red Nancy vs. Other Lamium Varieties

Compared to its counterpart White Nancy, Red Nancy offers warmer seasonal color thanks to its pink-red blooms, while still maintaining the same bright silver foliage and controlled growth habit. White Nancy tends to feel crisper and more formal, whereas Red Nancy adds softness and warmth to shade plantings. Against Purple Dragon, Red Nancy is noticeably more restrained, both in flower color intensity and growth rate, making it easier to manage in smaller or more refined spaces.

When compared to Golden Anniversary, Red Nancy’s appeal is foliage contrast rather than foliage color. Golden Anniversary relies on chartreuse leaves for impact, while Red Nancy uses silver to brighten shade. Red Nancy also tends to look cleaner and more structured over time, especially in mixed borders, whereas Golden Anniversary feels looser and more expressive in naturalistic or woodland-style gardens.