How much sun does Purple Dead-nettle need?

Purple Dead-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Purple Dead-nettle bloom?

Purple Dead-nettle blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Purple Dead-nettle attract?

Purple Dead-nettle draws bees and flies.

Is Purple Dead-nettle HOA-friendly?

Purple Dead-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Purple Dead-nettle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lamium purpureum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Purple Dead-nettle

Purple Dead-nettle is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Purple dead-nettle is a low-growing annual wildflower with heart-shaped leaves and small purple flowers that bloom from spring through fall. This compact plant forms small patches and provides continuous color in partially shaded areas with minimal care required.

In an HOA neighborhood

Purple Dead-nettle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Commonly considered a weed by most homeowners
Can spread unpredictably and look untidy
May be confused with invasive ground ivy

Wildlife value

The long blooming period makes this plant valuable for bees and flies throughout most of the growing season. Its early spring flowers are particularly important for pollinators when few other nectar sources are available.

Common questions

How much sun does Purple Dead-nettle need?: Purple Dead-nettle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Purple Dead-nettle bloom?: Purple Dead-nettle blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Purple Dead-nettle attract?: Purple Dead-nettle draws bees and flies.
Is Purple Dead-nettle HOA-friendly?: Purple Dead-nettle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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