Lesser skullcap
Scutellaria minor · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lesser skullcap and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- July to September
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky or neutral
Care
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist during growth, particularly in spring and summer. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Avoid excess water which could rot the delicate roots.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny to partly shaded location for optimal flowering. A minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight daily encourages flower production.
Soil and drainage
Prepare well-drained substrate rich in organic matter. Add sand or fine gravel if your soil is too heavy or compacted.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would stimulate foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch the tips of young stems in spring to encourage branching. Clean up the plant after flowering by removing dead or damaged stems.
Pests and diseases
Very resistant, it mainly fears stagnant humidity which can lead to root or foliage rot. Ensure good air circulation and monitor watering.
Did you know?
Scutellaria minor, known as skullcap dwarf, bears a Latin name meaning "small plate": this refers to the small flower structure that resembles a tiny shield. Long used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by European herbalists, it remains a more confidential plant than its North American cousin Scutellaria baicalensis.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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