Growing the spotted dead nettle
ground cover plant is very easy. The plant grows in a wide range of soil and
condition. You can choose either a shady or partially shady location when
growing spotted dead nettle plant. One of the most important bits of the spotted
dead nettle plant info to be aware of, however, is its possible invasiveness.
The spotted dead nettle plant will spread easily from site to site and
establishes without any extra effort on your part.
Furthermore, the spotted dead nettle plant
botanical name is Lamium maculatum and the plant grows as a spreading mat of
herbaceous stems and leaves. Actually the small leaves of the plant are speckled
with spots, which earn the plant its name. The plant is most attractive during
cooler periods and may die back when temperatures soar. The spotted dead nettle
plant blooms in late spring from May to June and produces flowers in pink, lavender,
purple, and white. The spotted dead nettle ground cover plant grows about six
to twelve inches high and can spread out two feet wide. The attractive foliage
has a silvery cast and shows well in deep shadows. The spotted dead nettle plant
is evergreen in temperate regions and is a superior performance perennial.
Spotted Dead Nettle’s Plant
Growing Conditions
The spotted dead nettle plant info
would not be complete without a discussion of the site conditions the plant
requires. If you plant it in a low light area, this hardy specimen can thrive
in sandy, loamy, or even lightly clayed soils. The spotted dead nettle ground
cover plant actually prefers moist soil but can also perform well in a dry
area. Nevertheless, the spotted dead nettle ground cover plant will die back in
hot summer heat when there is not enough moisture provided. Moist soils must be
well-drained to promote the best growth.
Growing Spotted Dead Nettle Plant
Growing the spotted dead nettle plant can be
accomplished in USDA plant hardiness zones three to eight. Higher heat areas
are not suitable for the spotted dead nettle plant. The Spotted Dead nettle
Seeds can be planted out after all danger of frost has passed. The spotted dead
nettle plant is also easy to grow from stem cuttings or crown division. The plant
stems naturally root at internodes and these will establish as separate plants.
Growing the spotted dead nettle plant from stems is a cheap and easy way to
spread this terrific shade plant.
How to Care for Spotted Dead Nettles Plant
The Spotted Dead nettle plant should
be pinched back for a fuller, bushier look. On the other hand if they are left
unpinched, the long plant stems are also attractive as trailing accents in a
potted display. Make sure you provide medium moisture and also spread compost
to enrich the soil around the plant’s roots. The spotted dead nettle ground
cover plant has few pest or disease problems. The only real concern is damage
to the ornamental leaves by snails or slugs. You can use copper tape around the
containers and beds or an organic slug pest control product. Even with good
care of the spotted dead nettles plant, they will actually die back in August
or early fall. Do not worry yourself. The plant will actually re-grow in spring
and then produce an even thicker batch of foliage.
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