Scutellaria altissima
Somerset skullcap
S. altissima is a clump-forming perennial with bright green, triangular, toothed leaves and upright spires of hooded, pale purple and dark lilac blue, two-tone flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Scutellaria are annuals, herbaceous perennials or sub-shrubs with opposite pairs of leaves and blue, violet, yellow or white, two-lipped, tubular flowers borne in the leaf axils or in terminal spikes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Italy & Balkans to Turkey, Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by division in autumn or spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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