Growing zones
See Zone Map >Status: In stock
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
6-12" x 12-18"
- Attracts Bees
- Deer Resistant
- Drought Tolerant
- Low Maintenance
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Lamium Dead-Nettle
Preparation
- Despite its intimidating common name, Lamium Dead-Nettle is a pretty, soft-leaved groundcover that spreads by running stems (stolons) that root down as the plant grows.
- Dead-Nettle also makes for a good basket plant with its stunning purple orchids.
In the garden, it’s easy to grow and maintain and is long-lived. - Lamium does best in shade or semi-shade and when sheltered from strong winds.
Tolerates a wide range of soils (e.g., moist soils, humus-rich soils), but it’s best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The ground should also be fairly moist. - Fertilizing isn’t necessary unless the soil is extremely poor. If this is the case, complete plant food can be applied in early spring. Any annual mulch with well-rotted organic matter also helps in this case.
- Flowering spikes appear in the growing season of summer months, depending on the species.
Opening Plant Material
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Containers
- Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers. - Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
Pruning - After Planting
- Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can improve a spotted Dead-Nettle plant’s shape. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Pruning for young Dead-Nettle plants is unnecessary, but you may need to remove whole sections with a spade if they become too vigorous.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
- Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common pests and diseases affect Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle?
Ghost Spotted Deadnettle is generally robust against pests and diseases but can be susceptible to slugs, snails, and occasionally aphids, particularly in damp conditions. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew might also occur if the plant lacks good air circulation or is in poorly draining soil. Proper care and early treatment with appropriate methods can help manage these issues effectively.
Is a Dead-Nettle plant considered invasive?
While Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle is a vigorous grower, it’s not typically considered invasive. In fact, it even provides ground cover that naturally suppresses weeds. Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettles spread through rooting stems and can cover significant ground if conditions are ideal, such as in moist and shaded areas. However, they’re relatively easy to control by installing physical barriers or regular maintenance.
What are the best companion plants for Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle?
Good companions for Ghost Spotted Deadnettle include plants that thrive in similar shade and moisture conditions. Suitable plants include Hostas, which provide a leafy texture and color contrast; Ferns, which complement the woodland aesthetic; Astilbe, with its feathery flowers; and Hellebores, known for their early blooms and evergreen leaves, enhancing the year-round interest alongside lamium.
Can Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle withstand frost and lower temperatures?
Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle is hardy and can tolerate low temperatures and mild climates, including frost. It’s suited for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, which means it can handle cold winters and even some snow. Although it may die back in the coldest months, it generally regrows vigorously from the roots when spring arrives.
How can I propagate Ghost Lamium?
Propagating Ghost Lamium maculatum can be effectively done through division or taking stem cuttings. For division, split the plant during spring or autumn, ensuring each section has roots, and replant these immediately. For cuttings, in late spring or early summer, select non-flowering shoots and cut them into 4-6 inch lengths. Then, remove the lower leaves and root them in moist potting mix in a shaded area until established, then move to a more permanent location.
Elevate Your Landscape With Expertise from McKay Nursery
At McKay Nursery, we bring over a century of horticultural knowledge to offer a splendid selection of plants, including the enchanting Ghost Spotted Dead-Nettle. Situated in Waterloo, Wisconsin, our nursery is committed to growing healthy, hardy plants that make your garden spaces thrive.
Buying your landscaping essentials from McKay Nursery ensures you receive superior-quality plants can be backed by a one-year warranty and detailed gardening instructions. Our careful packaging ensures your plants are delivered in excellent condition and ready to beautify your landscape.
Order your Ghost Lamium maculatum today! Don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 920-478-2121. We are excited to help you enhance your outdoor areas!
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.