Also known as Dead Nettle · 622 gardener saves

Lamium: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Lamium, the genus most gardeners know as dead nettle. We track 18 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.

18 varietiesZones 4–9Shade friendly

The 12 most-saved Lamium varieties

Of 18 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 18 Lamium varieties →

How to grow Lamium

What the Lamium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 18 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Lamium year

  • DivideMarch, April and September94% of varieties

    Divide every 2-3 years to control spread and maintain vigor

  • PruneMay–July89% of varieties

    Cut back leggy stems mid-summer to refresh foliage

  • Spring CleanupFebruary and March67% of varieties

    Rake away old or damaged foliage before new growth emerges

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
  • Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
  • Prune back in early spring to encourage bushier growth
  • Water consistently during dry periods 🌱

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t place in full sun, which can scorch leaves
  • Refrain from heavy fertilizing which can cause legginess

What goes wrong with Lamium

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesEncourage natural predators or spray with insecticidal soap
SlugsChewed leaves and slime trailsUse organic slug bait or copper tape
Powdery MildewWhite powdery coating on leavesImprove air circulation and apply neem oil
Root rotWilting and browning of foliageImprove drainage and avoid overwatering
Root RotWilting and yellowing leavesEnsure well-drained soil and reduce watering

Making more Lamium

Division

  1. Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall.
  2. Separate into smaller sections with roots attached.
  3. Replant immediately at the same depth.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting.
  5. Allow 6 weeks for new growth to establish.

Cuttings

  1. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
  2. Dip cut end in rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in moist, well-draining soil or perlite.
  4. Keep in warm, humid environment for 6 weeks.

Lamium questions

How many types of Lamium are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 18 distinct Lamium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 622 real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Lamium grow in?

Across its varieties, Lamium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Lamium bloom?

Most Lamium varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Lamium 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

Design with Lamium 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.

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