Lamium Purple Dragon
Lamium 'Purple Dragon' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Dead Nettle

Sizeable, dense terminal spikes of rich purple flowers seem to jump right out of the bright silvery foliage of 'Purple Dragon'. This robust cultivar has the deepest purple, most snapdragon-like flowers of any Lamium. Flowering is heaviest in the spring, then continues sporadically throughout the season. Lamium makes an excellent, weed-smothering groundcover and is also a good mask for dying bulb foliage.

  • Height: 15-20 cm (6-8 in)
  • Spread: 30-60 cm (12-23 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 2-9
  • Sun or Shade: part to full shade
  • Bloom Time: late spring with repeat bloom
  • Leaf Colour: grey green with silver variegation
  • Bloom Colour: light purple
  • Critter Resistance: rabbits

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Lamium is an excellent plant to use in shady sites. It will be most attractive in rich, moist soil but is a tough plant, surviving in drier areas including under trees once established. Trim back in late winter. Stems will root into the ground where they touch.