Also known as False Nettle · 66 saves
Boehmeria
Boehmeria, the genus most gardeners know as false nettle. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Boehmeria varieties
Browse all 4 Boehmeria varieties →
Species of Boehmeria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Boehmeria in Sow
Save the Boehmeria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Boehmeria
Whats common across all Boehmeria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Boehmeria year
- PruneFebruary and March75% of varieties
Cut back hard in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and maintain size.
- MulchApril50% of varieties
Apply a layer of organic mulch in spring to retain soil moisture.
- DivideMarch and April50% of varieties
Divide clumps in early spring every 3-4 years if they become overcrowded.
Do
- Give it space for a ten-foot shrub 📏
- Keep the soil steadily moist 💧
- Cut it to the ground in late winter ✂️
- Site it where the white leaf backs catch the wind 🍃
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Treat it as a ground cover ❌
- Let it dry out through summer ❌
- Plant it where its spread cannot be checked ❌
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 |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| 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 |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Provide reasonable drainage and air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Boehmeria
Division
- Lift a section of the crown in spring.
- Cut it into pieces, each with roots and a shoot.
- Replant into fertile, moist soil and water in.
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.
Boehmeria questions
How many types of Boehmeria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Boehmeria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 66 real gardeners — 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.