Spotted deadnettle (Lamium maculatum 'Red Nancy')
Lamium maculatum 'Red Nancy', Spotted deadnettle, is a vigorous mat-forming perennial perfect for shady ground cover, blooming May to July.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’, commonly known as Spotted deadnettle, is an invaluable herbaceous perennial prized for its rapid ground coverage and adaptable nature in low-light gardens. This cultivar provides consistent texture and color, making it a top choice for filling in empty spaces beneath dense tree canopy where few other plants thrive. Its vigorous, mat-forming habit spreads via rooting stems, creating a dense carpet effect quickly.
The appeal of Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ extends beyond its foliage, as it offers clusters of rose-red to red-purple flowers throughout late spring and early summer. While it prefers cool, consistently moist soil, it possesses surprising drought tolerance once established, though excessive heat and humidity can cause foliage decline. Gardeners appreciate this Spotted deadnettle for establishing foundational greenery in difficult, shady borders and bankings.
As a reliable, low-growing perennial, Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ offers visual interest rapidly. Its ability to naturalize makes it functionally excellent for large area coverage, though its spread requires occasional management if used near delicate borders. Ensure cool growing conditions for the best performance from this shade-loving groundcover.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.75 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Rose red to red-purple
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ should occur in average, well-drained soil during the spring or fall. This Spotted deadnettle thrives best when placed in areas receiving part shade to full shade, as direct, hot afternoon sun can cause leaf scorch, especially if soil moisture fluctuates. For effective ground cover use, space starter plants about 6 to 10 inches apart to ensure quick linking and coverage.
Maintenance for Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ involves ensuring consistent moisture, as it prefers evenly moist, acidic loams. While it exhibits drought tolerance, allow soils to dry out only slightly between waterings; however, never let the soil become waterlogged, especially during winter, as this increases the risk of crown rot. Minimal fertilization is generally required if the native soil is reasonably adequate.
The most critical care aspect for this plant relates to summer heat management. In hot, humid climates, the foliage of Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ may succumb to “melting out.” If this mid-summer decline occurs, shearing or cutting the plants back aggressively will stimulate a fresh flush of attractive new growth. In mild climates, the foliage remains evergreen, but cleanup of any spent material should happen in early spring everywhere else.
Landscape Uses
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ excels as a small-scale ground cover, softening the hard edges of pathways and foundation plantings, particularly in shady areas. Its spreading nature allows it to naturalize beautifully under large deciduous trees where turf grass struggles to survive. While it is not tolerant of foot traffic, it works effectively as a low edger along borders, provided its spread is contained through periodic trimming near defined edges.
Due to its medium water needs and shade tolerance, this Spotted deadnettle partners well with other woodland plants. Consider pairing it with hostas, ferns, or Astilbe, which share similar cultural requirements. For container use or hanging baskets, ensure the container has exceptional drainage, as wet winter soil is highly detrimental to the crowns of Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lamium maculatum, commonly called spotted deadnettle, is native to Europe and North Africa to West Asia. It is a mat-forming perennial ground cover that typically grows 5-8” tall but spreads indefinitely over time by sprawling stems which root in the ground as they go. Clusters of tiny, somewhat inconspicuous, two-lipped, red-purple (sometimes white or pink) flowers appear at the stem ends in late spring to early summer. Specific epithet means spotted, distinguishing this Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ from others.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ is generally robust, avoiding serious insect or disease issues; however, occasional pests like slugs or aphids may appear. The primary cultural challenge involves moisture management, particularly avoiding overly wet or poorly drained soils, which predisposes plants to crown rot. In hot, humid summers, be vigilant for foliage decline, often termed “melting out”; consistent watering and shearing back declining patches helps restore vigor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spotted deadnettle suitable for?
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ is suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.75 feet tall, spreading horizontally from 1 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Spotted deadnettle need?
This ground cover prefers a location offering part shade to full shade for optimal performance.
When does Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ bloom?
This attractive perennial blooms primarily from May into July, displaying lovely rose red to red-purple flowers.
Conclusion
Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ provides dynamic, low-maintenance coverage ideal for lightening dark garden corners. Its combination of textured foliage and colorful blooms ensures this Spotted deadnettle remains a garden staple for shaded landscapes. Before planting, confirm that your garden location falls within USDA Zones 4-8 and offers suitable drainage to ensure many seasons of robust growth.
Propagation Tips
Spreading stems that root where they touch the soil make propagation straightforward. For Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’, the easiest method is taking stem cuttings, which should root quickly, especially during the warm growing season. Simply snip pieces of rooted or non-rooted stem sections late in spring or early summer and plant them directly into prepared, moist soil in their new location.
This root-at-the-nodes habit allows you to easily fill gaps or start new colonies. If you are managing the spread of established patches, simply digging up sections of rooted stems provides instant new plants ready for transplantation. This natural propensity for rooting helps maintain the dense ground cover effect of the Spotted deadnettle.
Companion Planting
When utilizing Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ as a ground cover, selecting companions that share its preference for moist, well-drained, shady conditions is crucial. Consider grouping this perennial with shade-loving bloomers like bleeding hearts (Dicentra) or Hellebores, which offer contrasting textures and earlier or later blooming periods. For textural contrast beneath trees, woodland ferns, hostas, or Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass) complement the trailing habit of the Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’ beautifully.
