Overview
Scutellaria incana is a clump-forming perennial herb in the genus Scutellaria, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Scutellaria incana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, pond edges and streamsides. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maryland.
About
Scutellaria incana, the hoary skullcap or downy skullcap, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to North America and is primarily found in the eastern United States as well as some parts of the Midwest.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scutellaria incana
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scutellaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Scutellaria incana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Pond edges, Streamsides
- Native to
- Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scutellaria incana
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun; tolerates dry conditions once established
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Scutellaria incana?
Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun; tolerates dry conditions once established.
Where is the best place to plant Scutellaria incana?
Scutellaria incana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Scutellaria incana need?
Scutellaria incana 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.
How do I prune Scutellaria incana?
Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Scutellaria incana hardy in the UK?
Scutellaria incana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Scutellaria incana?
Division, Seed.
