Dead nettles are some of the most common wild herbs you’ll find out there, and depending on the variety, they show off a beautiful range of colors. While their blooming schedules vary a bit, they all stay in flower long enough for us to enjoy them—both as eye candy in the garden and as a tasty treat in the kitchen!
The Red Dead Nettle is the overachiever of the bunch
The Red Dead Nettle is easily one of the hardiest species in the family. If the conditions are just right (or in particularly mild years), you might see it popping up as early as February and hanging on with a few stubborn blooms right up until Christmas. Generally speaking, though, you can count on a solid blooming season from early April through late September. Whether it starts earlier or stays later really depends on the weather—frost is usually the only thing that finally chases this plant away for the winter.
The Spotted Dead Nettle, which also sports reddish-pink flowers, typically blooms from April through November. You can find more details on that one in our Spotted Dead Nettle profile.
Quick Tip:
We’ve rounded up all the general facts about these plants in our Dead Nettle overview. If you’re looking for the deep dive on the red variety, check out our Red Dead Nettle profile.
White Dead Nettle: Another long-distance bloomer
The White Dead Nettle is also quite the early bird, though it usually trails just a tiny bit behind its red cousin. Its official season kicks off in early April, but if we get a warm spell in March, don’t be surprised to see the first flowers opening early. The White Dead Nettle blooming season can last right up until the first frost, which usually means late September or October.
Quick Tip:
There’s plenty more to learn about the white variety! We’ve put together a fact sheet for all you curious gardeners out there.
Yellow Archangel: Short and sweet (with a possible encore)
The Yellow Dead Nettle (often called Yellow Archangel) starts its main show in April and keeps going strong through June. After that, the plant takes a little summer break. If the conditions are right, it might surprise you with a second flush of buds in the fall, though this “encore” is usually a bit shorter and more modest than the spring display.
Dead Nettle flowers: A treat for you and the bees
A lot of gardeners try to get rid of dead nettles the moment they spot them in a flower bed. But wait! Every part of the dead nettle is actually edible. The flowers, in particular, are the best part:
- They have a lovely, sweet honey scent.
- They provide vital food for bees and butterflies.
- They’re delicious for humans, too!
- They make the perfect edible garnish for fruit salads, desserts, and baked goods.
