Scutellaria galericulata
common skullcap
A vigorous, rapidly spreading herbaceous perennial to a height of up to 70cm, with either rounded or narrow, oblong green leaves. Sometimes they are hairy and sometimes smooth. The blue flowers have a paler lower lip white bases and centres, and are carried on green stems tinged with purple. They are borne from June until September
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Blue White | Green | |
| Autumn | Green Purple | Blue White | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for pond edges, streamsides and soil that stays damp all year. Plant with up to 2cm of water covering the crowns, in full sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or spring, or by seed in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required other than cutting back the old growth at the end of the year
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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