How big does Spotted dead-nettle grow?

About 20 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–25 cm × 30–90 cm.

What soil does Spotted dead-nettle grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, calcareous.

Is Spotted dead-nettle hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Spotted dead-nettle toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

When does Spotted dead-nettle flower?

Flowering: May–September, pink, purple, white.

How much water does Spotted dead-nettle need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Spotted dead-nettle cost?

It sells for roughly €3.20 to €7 in local shops, depending on size.

Spotted dead-nettle

Lamium maculatum

Spotted dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum) is a ground cover plant that reaches 20 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €3.20.

Illustration of Spotted dead-nettle — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Spotted dead-nettle is a low, fast-knitting ground cover for shade and part shade: its silver-marked leaves brighten dark corners and pink, purple or white flowers open from late spring. It keeps spreading by stems that root as they go, so you need to trim it back along edges now and then, but it is easy to keep in check. It likes moist, well-drained soil and does not tolerate hot sun or foot traffic.

Watch out for

In the hot summers of Central Europe, especially in muggy weather, the carpet melts out into bare patches: cut it back then and it will grow fresh leaves. The foliage scorches in sun and in soil that dries out, and the crown rots in waterlogged, compacted ground. It spreads strongly and can overrun smaller neighbours, and aphids and slugs occasionally find it.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–September, pink, purple, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	10–25 cm × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–September, pink, purple, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €3.20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-25 cm	approx. €7
size not stated	approx. €3.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Plants that are non-toxic to children Plants for containers

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