Lamium amplexicaule

RHS Plant Profile
henbit deadnettle

Other common names

greater henbit, henbit, lion's snap, marddanhadlen goch gron

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

A low-growing, hariy annual about 25cm tall, with soft, finely hairy stems, and rounded, lobed, mid-green leaves to 3m across, and bearing flowers of pink to purple to 2cm long in terminal spikes, from spring onwards

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Sand Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing, Clump forming
Genus
Lamium can be annuals or, more usually, perennials, with coarsely toothed ovate leaves and 2-lipped, tubular flowers borne in whorls forming a short spike
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in part shade. Best in wild or woodland areas, may have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free