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

See our complete Lamium Plant Guide for full care details.

More Information About Lamium ‘Red Nancy’

Lamium ‘Red Nancy’ is one of the most polished and dependable shade groundcovers we grow, prized for its luminous silver foliage edged in crisp green and its soft rose-pink flowers that appear in Spring. The leaves are the true star of this plant, forming a bright, reflective carpet that immediately lightens darker beds and woodland edges. Even when it is not in bloom, the foliage carries the planting with a clean, refined look that reads intentional rather than wild. The silver centers seem to catch whatever light filters through the canopy, giving shaded spaces a subtle glow.

Unlike more aggressive groundcovers, ‘Red Nancy’ spreads with control, filling gaps without climbing into shrubs or smothering perennials. In mild climates, especially here in Zone 8a, the foliage often remains semi-evergreen, maintaining structure and color through Winter. That year-round presence makes it incredibly useful as a foundation layer beneath shrubs or along shaded pathways where consistent coverage matters.

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 at a steady, manageable pace, establishing evenly without the overly aggressive push that some faster varieties can show. The growth stays uniform, creating a smooth carpet rather than a patchy or uneven look. It also maintains a tidy habit with very little intervention beyond occasional trimming to shape edges.

We especially appreciate how well it performs in bright shade, where its silver foliage noticeably lifts and lightens darker planting areas. When planted alongside ferns, hostas, or deep green shrubs, the contrast creates depth and layering that makes the entire bed feel more dynamic. It is not flashy or overly bold. Instead, it brings a quiet refinement that anchors the planting and allows surrounding plants to shine. For gardeners looking for reliable coverage with a polished finish, ‘Red Nancy’ consistently delivers.

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.