Overview
Dracocephalum grandiflorum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Dracocephalum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dracocephalum grandiflorum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Dracocephalum grandiflorum, known as betony-leaved dragonhead, is a clump-forming deciduous perennial within the Dracocephalum genus, which includes around 60 to 70 species native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and suits a range of garden settings such as city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, gravel gardens, banks, slopes, and flower borders. Planting is best done after the last frost in fertile soil, with propagation by division or basal cuttings in spring.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dracocephalum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dracocephalum grandiflorum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dracocephalum grandiflorum
- Propagation
- Division, Basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dracocephalum grandiflorum?
Dracocephalum grandiflorum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dracocephalum grandiflorum need?
Dracocephalum grandiflorum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Dracocephalum grandiflorum hardy in the UK?
Dracocephalum grandiflorum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dracocephalum grandiflorum?
Division, Basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Dracocephalum genus
- Dracocephalumdragon head
- Dracocephalum imberbe
- Dracocephalum moldavicaMoldavian balm
- Dracocephalum nutans
- Dracocephalum arguense 'Fuji Blue'
- Dracocephalum bungeanum
- Dracocephalum paulsenii
- Dracopcephalum rupestre