Ornamental Dead-nettle Seeds ~Lamium maculatum~ Spotted Dead-nettle ~ Spotted Henbit ~ Variegated Deadnettle ~ Shade Groundcover ~ Mint Fami(10 Seeds)

Ornamental Dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum) transforms shady gardens with its striking variegated foliage and reliable groundcover performance. This European perennial spreads into attractive silvery carpets, with heart-shaped leaves beautifully marked in silver, white, and green patterns that brighten even the darkest corners. Unlike many shade plants that offer only green foliage, this ornamental mint relative provides year-round visual interest through its distinctive leaf variegation, making it as valuable for its foliage as its flowers.Lamiums, the Dead-nettles, represent the original mint described in botanical science, the foundational genus after which the entire extended mint family, Lamiaceae, is named. This vast family encompasses all the mints, lavender, rosemary, basils, sages, oregano, thyme, bee balms, salvias, catnip, patchouli, coleus, agastache, self-heal, leonotis, plectranthus, ajuga, lamb's ear, and thousands upon thousands more aromatic species worldwide, all tracing their scientific lineage back to these humble dead-nettles.Unlike its winter annual cousin Purple Dead-nettle (L. purpureum), this perennial species offers extended garden value with larger, more prominently variegated leaves and a much longer flowering season. While Purple Dead-nettle provides early spring nectar when little else blooms, Ornamental Dead-nettle produces clusters of pink, purple, or white hooded flowers from late spring through summer, creating months of pollinator activity. The prostrate growth habit forms dense, spreading mats that effectively suppress weeds while remaining well-behaved and easily controlled.**~ Growing Ornamental Dead-nettle ~**Thrives in partial to full shade in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. While adaptable to various soil types, it performs best with consistent moisture but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions, especially in winter. Space plants 12-18 inches apart as they spread naturally by rooting stems. Hardy in zones 3-8, remaining semi-evergreen in milder climates.**For best results,** plant where its variegated foliage can brighten shaded areas beneath trees, along woodland paths, or as living mulch around shrubs. Excellent for covering areas where grass struggles to grow, transitioning between sun and shade zones, or creating textural contrast with hostas and ferns. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh foliage growth and prevent excessive spreading.**~ Germination Instructions ~**Ornamental Dead-nettle seeds require cold stratification for 4-6 weeks to break dormancy. Either direct sow in fall for natural winter stratification, or place seeds in slightly moist sand or paper towel in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, then surface sow in garden or containers indoors. Keep consistently moist until germination occurs in 2-3 weeks. Soaking seeds for 24 hours before stratification may help but is not essential.