Lamium purpureum

RHS Plant Profile
red deadnettle

Other common names

French nettle, marddanhadlen goch

Annual Biennial

A low growing annual with ovate to heart shaped, toothed, leaves with purple-grey hues. The stem has a square cross-section and the plant grows to a height of around 20-25cm. The upper-most leaves can become a deep purple-red when the plant grows in areas where it is more exposed to strong sunlight. Flowers from March to October and the flowers are a pink-purple colour.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalk

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
No preference

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

Plant in moist, free-draining soil in either full or dappled shade. Annual plant, may self seed.

Propagation

propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Generally not required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free