About
Prunella vulgaris, selfheal, is a creeping perennial to 30 cm 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. A useful native ground-cover for naturalising in a lawn, meadow or shaded border.
About the genus
Prunella, the selfheals, are semi-evergreen perennials of spreading habit with prostrate stems rooting at the nodes, toothed leaves and dense, short spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular flowers in summer. Good ground-cover plants for moist or shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toN Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationEasy 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
PruningDeadhead to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free