Red dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red dead-nettle on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Red dead-nettle
Red Dead-Nettle (Lamium purpureum) is a low-growing annual herb, often considered a 'weed' in gardens, but valued for its early pink-purple flowers and distinctive foliage. Its leaves, which often display reddish or purplish hues, especially in cold weather, make it recognizable. While commonly found in the wild, it can be an interesting addition to wild or naturalized gardens, offering early blooms that attract pollinators.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is highly adaptable to various conditions. It tolerates a wide range of soils, though it prefers well-drained, not overly rich ones; watering is generally not necessary once established, as it is quite drought-tolerant. Avoid excessive use of herbicides, as despite being considered a weed, it contributes to biodiversity and is an early nectar source for insects. A common mistake is to remove it indiscriminately, thus losing a beneficial plant for auxiliary fauna.
How to save a dying Red dead-nettle
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing, or brown-spotted leaves. Stunted or weak growth.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, water gently. Check drainage.
- What kills it
- Excessive direct sun and extreme dry soil. Also waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted or dried out. Act quickly.