About
A variant of the common stinging nettle with reduced or absent stinging hairs (subinermis meaning 'almost unarmed'), making it safer to handle. A vigorous, rhizomatous perennial forming clumps of upright, serrated, mid-green leaves and catkin-like, greenish flower spikes in summer. Useful for wildlife gardens; nettle leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of several butterfly and moth species.
About the genus
A genus of annual or perennial flowering plants with arrow-shaped, serrated green foliage and small clusters of greenish-brown flowers. Many species have stinging hairs on the leaves. The foliage can be used for making tea and for medicinal purposes, and the plants provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife
Plant details
Suggested usesBedding, containers, hanging baskets.
Care notes
CultivationPlant after last frost in fertile soil.
PruningDeadhead regularly.
PropagationGrow from seed in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.