About
Scutellaria canescens is a species of skullcap in the mint family Lamiaceae, distinguished by the helmet- or shield-shaped calyx that gives the group its common name. It carries the characteristic square stems, opposite leaves and two-lipped flowers of the genus Scutellaria. Flowering occurs in the UK from June to September. The calyx often remains noticeable after petals fall, providing late-season structure.
About the genus
Scutellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin scutella, meaning "a small dish, tray or platter", or "little dish", referring to the shape of the calyx.
Wikipedia contributors, "Scutellaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scutellaria
In the garden
Scutellaria canescens belongs to the genus Scutellaria, a group of chiefly temperate herbaceous plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Members of the genus typically present square stems, opposite leaves and bilabiate (two-lipped) flowers; the calyx forms a small shield or ‘helmet’ that is diagnostic of skullcaps. In the UK this species flowers from June to September. Treat Scutellaria canescens as you would other skullcaps: expect a summer bloom period when the two-lipped flowers are produced. Plants in this genus are valued for their floral structure rather than for foliage colour; spent blooms leave the characteristic calyx intact, which can give seedheads visible interest beyond the flowering months. Where it fits in the garden depends on scale and habit of the particular selection: use it where you want a summer flowering spike and the sculptural calyx to be seen up close, for example at the front of a border or alongside a path. The persistent calyx can remain a useful feature for late-season observation and for showing the genus’s distinctive form.
