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Lamium maculatum ‘Purple Dragon’ (Spotted Dead Nettle)

Spotted Dead Nettle 'Purple Dragon', Spotted Deadnettle 'Purple Dragon', Devil's Clover 'Purple Dragon', Devil's Nettle 'Purple Dragon'

Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon, Spotted Dead Nettle Purple Dragon, Spotted Deadnettle Purple Dragon, Shade Perennial, Groundcover
Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon, Spotted Dead Nettle Purple Dragon, Spotted Deadnettle Purple Dragon, Shade Perennial, Groundcover

Lamium maculatum ‘Purple Dragon’ (Spotted Dead Nettle) is a semi-evergreen, mat-forming perennial noted for its foliage of heart-shaped, silvery-green leaves adorned with wide green edges. Hooded, rich magenta-purple flowers open in attractive whorls at the end of the stems in late spring and continue sporadically into fall. The flowers are larger than most other cultivars. With a long bloom period and colorful foliage, Spotted Dead Nettle is an excellent groundcover for semi-shaded locations. Evergreen in mild winter climates.

  • Rises up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and spreads up to 12-24 in. (30-60 cm).
  • Best in part shade to full shade in average, medium moisture, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Dislikes high heat and humidity. Drought tolerant.
  • Spotted Dead Nettle is a welcomed addition to shaded gardens, beds and borders. Perfect for plantings under perennials or shrubs and as a groundcover or edging plant.
  • Virtually disease and pest free, Spotted Dead Nettle is also deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Propagate by division in autumn or early spring
  • After flowering, plants can be cut back to encourage fresh foliage cover.
  • Lamium maculatum species is native to Europe, temperate western Asia and North Africa. It can form a dense mound that overtakes ground area.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Lamium
Common names Spotted Dead Nettle, Deadnettle
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lamium maculatum ‘Elisabeth de Haas’ (Spotted Dead Nettle)
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ (Spotted Dead Nettle)
Lamium maculatum Pink Chablis® (Spotted Dead Nettle)
Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’ (Spotted Dead Nettle)
Lamium orvala (Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle)
Lamium orvala ‘Album’ (Balm-leaved Red Deadnettle)

Recommended Companion Plants

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)
Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Painted Doubles’ (Hellebores)
Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge)
Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)
Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Lamium maculatum (Spotted Dead Nettle)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Lamium
Common names Spotted Dead Nettle, Deadnettle
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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