Deadnettle

Spotted dead-nettle is a low, mat-forming perennial whose silver-marked leaves brighten shade and whose pink, purple or occasional white flowers appear in spring and summer. It makes a useful groundcover beneath shrubs or along shaded borders, where its trailing stems root as they spread. The species tolerates some dry soil, but looks best with steady moisture and good drainage. ## Landscape Use Use it to soften the edge of a woodland bed, fill open ground beneath trees, or brighten a shaded container. The spreading stems can gradually cover bare soil; avoid placing it where regular foot traffic will crush the foliage. Leaves are commonly silver-marked, while flower color varies among forms. ## Growing Conditions Plant in full or partial shade and in soil that drains while retaining some moisture. It can manage occasional dryness, but overly dry soil may scorch leaves; compacted or waterlogged ground and hot, humid exposures can leave bare patches. The [North Carolina Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lamium-maculatum/) describes the species as 3–9 inches tall and about 2 feet wide, while the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9812/lamium-maculatum/details) gives a broader mature-size range. ## Maintenance Water new plantings until established and during extended dry spells. Trim or cut back after flowering, or if summer heat leaves the mat thin, to encourage fresh foliage. Check the spreading edge occasionally and keep plants out of paths.