Photo: No machine-readable author provided. ArtMechanic assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Spotted dead-nettle: when and how to prune
Lamium maculatum
Spotted dead-nettle is best pruned in March and June.
| Pruning months | March and June |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–July |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Spotted dead-nettle: when to prune it?
After the first flush of flowers, in June, cut the plant back hard. In March, clear away dead stems.
Spotted dead-nettle: how to prune it?
- In June, cut the stems back to 5–10 cm above the ground, or shear the plant with hedge shears.
- Then water and add some compost: within a few weeks fresh leaves appear, often followed by a second flowering.
- In March, remove dead, bare stems.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and June. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Spotted dead-nettle flowers in April–July, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Spotted dead-nettle · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.