Japanese dead nettle (Meehania urticifolia)

Japanese dead nettle

The stem is upright, the height is 15 to 30 cm, long hairs are sparse, and the whole grass is fragrant. After the flower, a long running branch that crawls on the ground is taken out from under the stem. Leaves are opposite and have a petiole of 2 to 3 cm in length, a triangular heart shape, a length of 2 to 5 cm, a width of 2 to 3.5 cm, a leaf edge is a blunt sawtooth, and the base is a heart Become a shape. The wings are approximately 1.3 cm long, with 15 veins, the tip is shallow and split into five, and sparsely open hairs. The flowers are bright purple in the shape of lips. The corolla is 4 to 5 cm in length, the upper lip is split into two short, the lower lip is split into three, the central fissure is large, it curls downward and split into two shallowly, and there is a dark purple pattern on the white background, the throat There are long hairs that open at the tip of. The foliage at the base of the flower is almost the same as the leaf at the bottom, and becomes smaller when going up. The sepals are deep reddish purple than the flowers and stand out after the flowers.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese dead nettle (Meehania urticifolia)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Purple, Blue, Pink

Flower Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Distribution of Japanese dead nettle

Distribution Map

Japanese dead nettle is naturally found in temperate regions of Eastern Asia. It flourishes in the area encompassing the far eastern continental margins and adjacent island regions of this major area. Over time, japanese dead nettle has maintained its presence primarily within its native range and is not widely reported as being introduced or naturalized in significantly distant locations.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rich damp deciduous woods

Care Guide for Japanese dead nettle

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Japanese dead nettle thrives in humid environments, requiring consistent moisture without being overly wet. It needs weekly watering to stay healthy. As an herbaceous perennial, japanese dead nettle can be grown outdoors, benefiting from natural rain cycles for hydration.

Fertilize: Japanese dead nettle requires balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer for leaf growth, with higher phosphorus for flowering. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, bi-monthly in fall, avoiding winter. Water thoroughly after fertilization to prevent root burn, starting with diluted solutions for beginners.

Pruning: Japanese dead nettle is a low-growing, spreading plant valued for its foliage and flowers. Prune in early to late spring to encourage dense growth, remove dead stems, and enhance air circulation. Regular trimming maintains shape and promotes vibrant blooms while preventing crowding and fungal diseases.

Propagation: A shade-loving ground cover, japanese dead nettle thrives in moist woodland areas. Propagation via cuttings involves using stems with leaves, cut below a node. Use a peat-perlite mix for rooting, maintaining moisture and indirect light until roots develop, after which transfer to a suitable location.

Repotting: Repot japanese dead nettle every 2-3 years in early spring using a slightly larger pot and a well-draining mix to prevent root rot. After repotting, water sparingly and provide indirect light to support recovery and maintain japanese dead nettle's vibrant foliage.

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Distribution of Japanese dead nettle

Care Guide for Japanese dead nettle

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