Purple Dragon Dead Nettle

Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon'

Nature Hills Nursery

Silvery Variegated Leaves with Deep Magenta Flowers Bloom Spring Through Fall
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This groundcover thrives in partial to full shade. While it can handle some morning sun, at least 4 to 6 hours of shade is necessary to prevent the delicate silver foliage from scorching or bleaching.
Soil: Aim for moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Purple Dragon Dead Nettle twice a week to help the roots knit into the surrounding soil. Once the plant is established, it is surprisingly drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat will cause the foliage to crisp at the edges and lose its lush appearance.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is immediately after the first flush of purple flowers fades in early summer. Give the entire patch a "haircut" by shearing it back by half to encourage a fresh carpet of bright foliage and potentially a second round of blooms. This rejuvenation prevents the center of the clump from becoming leggy or bare as the season progresses.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this stimulates tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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With pretty variegated foliage and purple flowers, the Lamium Purple Dragon (Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon') is a pretty groundcover with silvery accents that shine in both the sun and moonlight!

The leaves are small and silver with a wide green edge. If all you ever had were the leaves, they would still shine in the shade because of their unique coloration! Luckily for you, that's not all you have! Purple Dragon sends up clusters of deep magenta-purple flowers, larger than any other Lamium, blooming in flushes from spring to fall.

The silvery leaves are evergreen in mild winter climates and beautiful to see, especially when smothered in their hooded purple blooms. Growing throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9, Lamium tolerates both chilly winters and hot summers.

Planting and Application:

This outstanding selection of Spotted Deadnettle will light up your shady path between your stepping stones with both foliage and flowers. They pair perfectly with the white and yellows of Daisies or the bright colors of Coral Bells. Light up the Cottage Garden, mixed perennial border, and the Moon Garden with its silvery foliage!

Purple Dragon loves to grow and spread with abandon - and quickly! If you need a thrilling filler or groundcover for either your flower beds or your container plantings, this is it. Try using this perennial as an edging in your woodland garden, line pathways, or as a filler on the shady north side of your house. It'll look amazing and attract beneficial pollinators to your little slice of heaven.

Hooded Purple Spires Spring til Summer
Pollinator Friendly!
Silver Covered Leaves With Green Edges
Fillers & Spillers In Planters & Containers
Fast Spreading Groundcover & Flowering Accents

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Purple Dragon is such an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial. It tolerates dry shade better than most plants once it gets established. It loves to spread but is easy to keep in bounds with a little bit of trimming. It likes to get a good hard mow-down in late winter, too. It comes back beautifully in the spring to thrill you all year. Prune and clean the mounds in the early spring before new growth emerges. Lamium is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and adaptable!

Partial Shade & Full Shade
Almost Any Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Once Established
Deadhead For Rebloom & Prune Early Spring
Deer Resistant Perennials

If you have a spot that needs a good cover, you will be more than happy with Purple Dragon Purple Deadnettle. Order yours at Nature Hills Nursery today, and enjoy them for yourself!

Botanical Name

Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon'
Class

Lamiales
Species

maculatum
Cultivar

Purple Dragon
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

1 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight

Partial shade, Shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Purple
Leaf Color

Green, White, Variegated
Fall Color

Evergreen in Mild Winter Climates
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Purple Dragon Dead Nettle suitable for?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. This wide range means it can handle both chilly winters and hot summers across most of the continental United States. Plant it confidently in these zones for reliable year-round performance.

What is the mature height and spread of Purple Dragon Dead Nettle?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle typically reaches 6-8 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. This fast-spreading groundcover grows quickly in zones 4-9, so give it room to expand or plan to trim it back to keep it in bounds.

Does Purple Dragon Dead Nettle grow well in full shade or part sun?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle thrives in shade and tolerates partial sun conditions. This adaptable groundcover actually prefers shadier spots where its silvery foliage really shines. Plant it in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade for best results.

Is Purple Dragon Dead Nettle deer and rabbit resistant?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle is generally deer and rabbit resistant due to its aromatic foliage that most wildlife tend to avoid. Like most Lamium varieties, the scented leaves make it an unappealing choice for browsing animals. Plant it confidently in zones 4-9 where deer pressure is high, especially along pathways and garden edges.

What are the soil and watering requirements for Purple Dragon Dead Nettle?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle thrives in average, well-draining soil and tolerates dry shade better than most perennials once established. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency as this hardy zones 4-9 plant becomes drought tolerant. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance groundcover.

Is Purple Dragon Dead Nettle safe for pets and children?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum) is generally considered safe around pets and children, as it's non-toxic unlike its stinging nettle relatives. However, always supervise young children around any garden plants. Keep pets from excessive munching to avoid digestive upset.

How should I plant Purple Dragon Dead Nettle when it arrives?

Plant Purple Dragon Dead Nettle in partial to full shade with well-draining soil. This fast-spreading groundcover thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and establishes quickly. Space plants 12-18 inches apart and water regularly until established.

Does Purple Dragon Dead Nettle need to be trimmed or pruned?

Purple Dragon Dead Nettle requires minimal pruning but benefits from occasional trimming to control its fast-spreading growth habit. This vigorous groundcover is easy to keep in bounds with light trimming as needed. Trim back after flowering flushes to encourage fresh growth and maintain your desired coverage area.