Lamium purpureum - Purple dead-nettle

🌿 Characteristics

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Common name: Dead-nettle, Purple dead-nettle, Red dead-nettle
Scientific name: Lamium purpureum
Foliage color: Dark green to purple
Flower color: Rose-purple to magenta, in whorls along the stems
Mature height: 0.20–0.40 m
Mature width: 0.30–0.45 m
Habit: Spreading, prostrate, forming a dense, ground-covering mat
Flowering period: April to June, sometimes until September
Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Watering needs: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Soil type: Well-drained, fertile, rich in organic matter
Hardiness zone: Zone 3 to 9
Drought tolerance: Good, prefers cool and humid conditions
Nectar-producing plant: Yes
Attracts pollinators: Yes, especially bees and bumblebees
Toxicity to animals: Non-toxic, safe for children and pets

✂️ Maintenance

Plant in partial to full shade in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly upon planting to establish a good root system, then reduce watering once rooted.

Ideal for undergrowth, shaded borders, and groundcover, it offers delicate blossoms and ornamental evergreen foliage. Its creeping habit quickly creates an attractive plant cover. A choice melliferous plant for attracting bees and bumblebees to partially shaded and cool areas.