Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon, commonly known as spotted dead nettle, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely grown in gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers. This herbaceous perennial plant is known for its stunning purple and silver foliage and delicate flowers that bloom from spring to summer.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lamium |
Appearance
Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon has a low-growing habit and can reach up to 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Its leaves are heart-shaped with a silvery-white center and deep purple edges. The flowers are tubular and bloom in shades of pink, purple, or white. The plant blooms from spring to summer and attracts bees and butterflies to the garden.
Care Guide
Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and partial shade. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. Other pests that may attack this plant include spider mites, aphids, and slugs.
Habitat
Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely grown in gardens across the world. It can be found in woodland areas, meadows, and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon is an excellent ground cover plant that can quickly form a dense mat.
Q: How often should I water Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
Q: Can Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon tolerate full sun?
A: Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Related Plants
- Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’
- Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’
- Lamium maculatum ‘Pink Pewter’
- Lamium maculatum ‘Red Nancy’
References
- “Lamium maculatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j870.
- “Lamium Maculatum Purple Dragon.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/200252/i-lamium-maculatum-i-purple-dragon/details.
- “Spotted Dead Nettle.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/spotted-dead-nettle-lamium-2132768.
