About
Scutellaria galericulata, the common skullcap, is a vigorous, rapidly spreading herbaceous perennial to 70 cm with rounded or narrow, oblong, green leaves. Blue flowers with a paler lower lip and white bases are borne from June until September on green, sometimes purple-tinged stems. A rewarding and ornamental native wildflower for a moist, sheltered border.
About the genus
Scutellaria, the skullcaps, are annuals, herbaceous perennials and subshrubs with opposite pairs of leaves and two-lipped, tubular flowers in blue, violet, yellow or white borne in the leaf axils or in terminal spikes. Popular and rewarding garden plants for sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Aquatic
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for pond edges, streamsides and soil that stays damp all year. Plant with up to 2cm of water covering the crowns, in full sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
PruningNo pruning required other than cutting back the old growth at the end of the year
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn or spring, or by seed in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free