How to Care for Creeping Lamium

Members of the Lamium genius carry the unfortunate name dead nettle. These plants have the name dead nettles because, unlike the related group called stinging nettles, they don't sting. The term "creeping" refers to their habit of spreading by means of runners. Use dead nettles as a ground cover under shade trees and shrubs. They thrive in very low light and their leaves, which are splotched or striped with white, seem to glow in deep shade. Creeping Lamium is a good lawn replacement in areas that are too shady for grass. Dead nettles also look good spilling over the sides of baskets hung from low-hanging tree branches.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Snail traps (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Water new transplants weekly until they are established. Afterward, Creeping Lamium is drought tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells.

   • 2

     Cut back the plants in midsummer if they become messy. They can take severe pruning and come back looking full and bushy, and you may get a second flush of blooms.

   • 3

     Watch for snails, which feed on the foliage and leave holes in the leaves. Hand pick them if you only see a few, or set out traps.

   • 4

     Remove plants that spread outside the desired area as they appear. Use them to fill in thin areas, if desired.