Spotted Deadnettle Plant Care

Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Lamium genus. Spotted Deadnettle is native to Europe, Asia. Spotted Deadnettle is also known as Spotted Henbit, Purple Archangel, Spotted Lamium.

Spotted Deadnettle displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Spotted Deadnettle produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spotted Deadnettle every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spotted Deadnettle thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Spotted Deadnettle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Lamium maculatum tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Spotted Deadnettle prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Spotted Deadnettle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spotted Deadnettle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spotted Deadnettle is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spotted Deadnettle can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spotted Deadnettle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spotted Deadnettle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spotted Deadnettle can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to henbit plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spotted Deadnettle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Spotted Deadnettle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spotted Deadnettle is native to Europe, Asia. In cooler regions, grow Spotted Deadnettle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.