Overview
Prunella vulgaris is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Prunella, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Prunella vulgaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to N Hemisphere.
About
Prunella vulgaris is a low-growing perennial that can reach heights of up to 30 cm. Its stems spread out and take root, supporting elongated to oval-shaped leaves. During the summer and early autumn, the plant produces upright clusters of tubular flowers, typically deep violet in color, though pink or white varieties can occasionally be found.
About the genus
Prunella consists of semi-evergreen perennials that grow in a spreading manner, with prostrate stems that take root at their nodes. They produce dense clusters of small, two-lipped flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Prunella
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Prunella vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- N Hemisphere
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Prunella vulgaris
- 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
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prevent self-seeding
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Prunella vulgaris?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Prunella vulgaris?
Prunella vulgaris prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Prunella vulgaris need?
Prunella vulgaris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Prunella vulgaris?
Deadhead to prevent self-seeding.
How big does Prunella vulgaris grow?
Prunella vulgaris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Prunella vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Prunella vulgaris has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Prunella vulgaris?
Propagate by seed or division.
Is Prunella vulgaris good for pollinators?
Yes — Prunella vulgaris attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.