Also known as False Nettle · 59 gardener saves
Boehmeria: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Boehmeria, the genus most gardeners know as false nettle. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Boehmeria varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedSycamore-leaf False Nettle
Boehmeria japonica 'Platanifolia'
#2 most savedSiebold's False Nettle
Boehmeria sieboldiana
#3 most savedGolden Ramie
Boehmeria nivea 'Kogane Mushi'
How to grow Boehmeria
What the Boehmeria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Boehmeria year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain size.
- MulchApril67% of varieties
Apply a layer of organic mulch in spring to retain soil moisture.
- DivideMarch and April67% of varieties
Divide clumps in early spring every 3-4 years if they become overcrowded.
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Divide plants in early spring for propagation
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from heavy fertilization during dormancy
- Do not expose to full sun for prolonged periods
What goes wrong with Boehmeria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew on leaves, distorted growth | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Boehmeria
division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring.
- Separate clumps with clean, sharp tools.
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Boehmeria questions
How many types of Boehmeria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Boehmeria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 59 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Boehmeria grow in?
Across its varieties, Boehmeria covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Boehmeria bloom?
Most Boehmeria varieties bloom in mid-summer to early fall, late summer, early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Boehmeria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Boehmeria shows up in
Design with Boehmeria in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
