Also known as spotted henbit and purple dragon, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and Asia where it grows in a variety of habitats from open grassland to woodland. It is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae that also includes mint, basal and beebalm. Plants grow 3-9″ tall and rapidly spread forming a mat up to 2″ across. The erect, hollow stems are hairy and branched at the base. The opposite leaves are 1-4″ long, crinkled, hairy, and silvery green with silver blotches on the upper side. From spring into fall, terminal clusters of small two lipped, red-purple to white or pink flowers appear. The fruits that follow are hidden by the foliage; it is composed of 4 nutlets and is green before turning brown with maturity. Spotted dead nettle is a vigorous plant and may be weedy but is not aggressive so is easy to control. The genus name, Lamium, comes from the Greek λαιμός (laimos) meaning throat in reference to the throat-like appearance of the corolla. The specific epithet, maculatum, is the Latin word meaning spotted and refers to the appearance of the leaves.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Terminal clusters of small two lipped, red-purple to white or pink flowers, from spring to fall
Size: 3-9″ H x 2′ W
Light: Part to full shade
Soil: Average, moderately moist, well-drained, cool; somewhat drought tolerant but does not tolerate high heat or humidity
USDA Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Care: Water during drought; cut back to encourage new growth if plants become unattractive
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but may be damaged by slugs, aphids, and sun scorch (if the soil dries out.)
Propagation: Division, cutting of basal non-flowering stems, seed
Companion Plants: Astilbes, ferns, Brunnera macrophylla, Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra),
Outstanding Selections: Many available such as…
‘Aureum’ (gold yellow leaves, pink flowers)
“Pink Chablais” (pink flowers)
“White Nancy” (silvery-white leaves with greenish margins, white flowers)
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Karen 