This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast
• Flowering period: May to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Silver leaves edged in green, form on lax, spreading stems, which carry spikes of pure white flowers in late spring and early summer. Ornamental dead nettles make excellent weed-supressing groundcover, and they're particularly useful for underplanting shrubs or trees. A robust and relatively vigorous grower (in ideal conditions), it is best planted with similarly tough plants, which can hold their own in the border - and although it will tolerate full sun, for best foliage colour, it's best planted in partial shade.
  
  Garden care: If you are growing this in dry shade, keep it well watered until it is established. After it has finished flowering, remove the faded flower heads to encourage fresh new foliage. Lift and divide large clumps in late autumn or early spring.