Scutellaria 'Appalachian Blues' (PBR)
skullcaps
Forming a neat, bushy clump, Scutellaria 'Appalachian Blues' sends up elegant spikes of violet-blue flowers with contrasting white throats from late spring into summer. The blooms are held above rich green, serrated leaves, each edged with a subtle purple margin, while dark maroon stems provide extra contrast throughout the season. A favourite with bees and butterflies, it's a brilliant choice for wildlife-friendly gardens, mixed borders and informal planting schemes. Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it a dependable option for fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny spot.
How to care for Scutellaria Appalachian Blues (PBR):
Plant in full sun for the best display, although it will also grow well in lightly filtered shade. It prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil but is adaptable enough to cope with drier or stonier conditions once established.
Water regularly during its first growing season to help develop a strong root system, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. After that, skullcaps is impressively drought-tolerant and needs only modest attention. Remove faded flower spikes to encourage more blooms throughout summer, then cut the old stems back to ground level in late winter or early spring before fresh growth appears.
Water regularly during its first growing season to help develop a strong root system, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. After that, skullcaps is impressively drought-tolerant and needs only modest attention. Remove faded flower spikes to encourage more blooms throughout summer, then cut the old stems back to ground level in late winter or early spring before fresh growth appears.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
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.
