Lamium maculatum

Spotted Dead Nettle is a fast growing, flowering, herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It is a good ground cover for moist, shady areas, forming a mat and rising to 3 to 9 inches high and 2 feet wide. Clusters of tiny flowers appear in spring into summer and the opposite leaves are silvery green with large silver blotches on the upper surface, lightening up a dark shady area. The genus name comes from the Greek laimos or lamos meaning throat in reference to the throat-like appearance of the corolla. The species name means spotted.

Spotted Dead Nettle does best in shaded areas, including heavy shade, average soil, and evenly moist, but well drained, sites. It will tolerate dry soil. However, it will not do well in compacted or wet soils or in high heat and humidity. In areas where the winters are mild, the plant can be evergreen.

Hot summers in humid climates can cause bare patches in mass plantings of Spotted Dead Nettle, but the plants can be cut back to stimulate new foliage growth. When grown as a ground cover, starter plants may be spaced 6 to 10 inches apart for quick coverage. The plant will spread indefinitely with sprawling stems that root in the ground. Plants grow vigorously, but are easy to control and not considered aggressive. However, you should site the ground cover in areas that do not get a lot of foot traffic.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Leaf scorch can occur if soils are allowed to dry out or if grown in too much sun. Aphids and slugs are occasional problems.