Scutellaria incana

Description

Scutellaria incana

Scutellaria incana, commonly known as hoary skullcap or downy skullcap, is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial reaching around 60-100cm in height, with a spread of roughly 30-50cm. Its square, downy stems carry toothed, mid-green leaves with hairy undersides, typical of the mint family to which it belongs.

From midsummer into early autumn, the plant produces branching spikes of small, two-lipped, violet-blue tubular flowers, their helmet-shaped calyces giving rise to the common name “skullcap”. It is an excellent choice for a mixed border, wildlife or prairie-style planting, providing weeks of colour and attracting pollinators.

Cultivation is straightforward: grow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, including sandy or clay types. It is drought-tolerant once established and is hardy. Cut back old growth in spring.