Prunella vulgaris
self-heal
Prunella vulgaris is a common native wildflower which has long been grown as a herb for medicinal uses, where the leaves reputedly were applied to wounds to promote healing, hence the common name 'self-heal'.
A creeping perennial with short straight stemmed spikes of violet/blue flowers, hooded and lipped, flowering throughout the summer into the autumn. As can be the case with wildflowers, the flower colour can be variable, and although this is rare, sometimes the flowers can be pink or white.
A creeping perennial with short straight stemmed spikes of violet/blue flowers, hooded and lipped, flowering throughout the summer into the autumn. As can be the case with wildflowers, the flower colour can be variable, and although this is rare, sometimes the flowers can be pink or white.
How to care for Prunella vulgaris:
Plant in a moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade, giving it a spot where the ground doesn’t dry out in summer. Set the plants at the same depth they were in their pots, firm them in well, and water regularly while they settle.
Once established it’s very low-maintenance, spreading steadily to form a soft, flowering carpet. Keep the soil moist in dry spells and trim back spent flower stems to stop it seeding everywhere and to encourage a neat, fresh flush of growth. A light mulch in spring helps keep moisture in and boosts overall vigour.
Once established it’s very low-maintenance, spreading steadily to form a soft, flowering carpet. Keep the soil moist in dry spells and trim back spent flower stems to stop it seeding everywhere and to encourage a neat, fresh flush of growth. A light mulch in spring helps keep moisture in and boosts overall vigour.
Sowing instructions:
In early to mid-spring, shallow sow into a tray filled with good seed compost and keep in an unheated greenhouse or coldframe. Seedlings can take up to 2 months to appear, but as they grow, pot them up individually before growing them on, hardening off and planting out. Alternatively, in late spring or early summer, sow directly into a well-prepared seedbed and thin to 15cm (6in) intervals.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
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3 × 9cm pots
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6 × 9cm pots
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approx 100 seeds
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1
