Description
Scutellaria – Helmet Flower – Skullcap –
There are about 300 erect or spreading annual, rhizomatous and clump forming herbaceous perennials and, more rarely sub-shrubs and aquatic plants, in this genus. They are widespread it temperate regions and on mountains in tropical area. They produces opposite, smooth edged, rarely pinnatifid or toothed leaves. They bear summer, tubular, 2 lipped, blue, violet, yellow, or white flowers, often with colored bracts, are held singly or in pairs from the leaf axils, or in terminal spikes or racemes. Grow smaller species in a rock garden, use taller species at the front of a herbaceous border.
They are easily grown in moderately fertile, light gravelly, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light, dappled shade. Where marginally hardy, apply a deep winter mulch. Divide in autumn or spring.
Prone to powdery mildew, leaf spots, aphids, and spider mites.
S. baiealensis – This bushy perennial from Mongolia, China, and Japan grows 8-12″ tall and wide. It produces decumbent then erect, purple tinged stems, and short stalked, opposite, lance shaped, hairy edged, mid green leaves, to 1 ½” long. From early summer to early autumn, bears dense, one sided racemes of hairy flowers, to 1″ long, upper lips dark blue, lower lips paler.
Zones 5-8
