Spotted dead nettle
Lamium maculatum
Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–9 in tall and 18–30 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers partial shade to dappled sun to deep shade. Silver-variegated foliage brightens dark shade. Spreads readily, easy to control.
On the CSU listmedium water6–9 in tall and 18–30 in wideDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Lamium maculatum
- Variety / cultivar
- 'White Nancy', 'Beacon Silver', 'Purple Dragon'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 6–9 in tall and 18–30 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~21–30 in apart
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in partial shade; tolerates dappled sun, deep shade. Flowers best with more sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- loam, clay
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- low
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- pink, purple, white
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations, Dry shade under conifers
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads via rooting stems; manageable but persistent
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Using Spotted dead nettle as a groundcover
Spotted dead nettle spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Spotted dead nettle good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Spotted dead nettle is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Spotted dead nettle?
- The main things to know: Spreads via rooting stems; manageable but persistent
- How big does Spotted dead nettle get?
- It matures to about 6–9 in tall and 18–30 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Spotted dead nettle?
- Space Spotted dead nettle about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Spotted dead nettle hardy on the Front Range?
- Spotted dead nettle is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Spotted dead nettle need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Spotted dead nettle native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Spotted dead nettle deer-resistant?
- Spotted dead nettle is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Spotted dead nettle a good firewise plant near the house?
- Spotted dead nettle is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Spotted dead nettle?
- Spotted dead nettle isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Spotted dead nettle replace a lawn?
- Yes, Spotted dead nettle works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Spotted dead nettle spread or stay put?
- Spotted dead nettle is spreading. Spreads via rooting stems; manageable but persistent Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Spotted dead nettle stay green in winter?
- Spotted dead nettle keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
