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. laterifolia – Virginian Skullcap – Mad Dog Skullcap – This perennial from North America grows 6-30″ tall and 18″ wide. From slender rhizomes, it sprouts ovate-lanceolate, toothed leaves to 3″ long. In summer it bears axillary one sided racemes of blue, occasionally pink or white flowers.
Zones 3-8
