Prunella vulgaris
selfheal
A creeping perennial to 30cm, with rooting stems bearing oblong or ovate leaves and short erect spikes of deep violet, rarely pink or white, tubular flowers in summer and early autumn
Other common names
all-healblue curls
see moreblue Lucy
brownwort
brunel
caravaun bog
carpenter grass
carpenter's square
heart of the earth
herb carpenter
Hercules' all-heal
hook-heal
hookweed
panay
proud carpenter
self heal
sickle-heal
sicklewort
slough-heal
square stem
carpenter's herb
heal-all
thimble flower
Synonyms
Prunella incisaSize
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue Purple | |||
Autumn | Blue Purple | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Prunella are semi-evergreen perennials of spreading habit, the prostrate stems rooting at the nodes, with dense, short spikes of small, 2-lipped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow plant for any soil in full sun or partial shade. May be considered invasive. Attract bees and other beneficial insects. Good ground cover
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Deadhead to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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