Overview
Dracocephalum paulsenii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Dracocephalum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Dracocephalum paulsenii 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 paulsenii is a clump-forming, deciduous cultivar within the Dracocephalum genus, which includes a variety of aromatic flowering plants native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is ideal for 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, well-drained 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 paulsenii 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 paulsenii
- 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 paulsenii?
Dracocephalum paulsenii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dracocephalum paulsenii need?
Dracocephalum paulsenii 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 paulsenii hardy in the UK?
Dracocephalum paulsenii 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 paulsenii?
Division, Basal cuttings in spring.
More in the Dracocephalum genus
- Dracocephalumdragon head
- Dracocephalum grandiflorumbetony-leaved dragonhead
- Dracocephalum imberbe
- Dracocephalum moldavicaMoldavian balm
- Dracocephalum nutans
- Dracocephalum arguense 'Fuji Blue'
- Dracocephalum bungeanum
- Dracopcephalum rupestre