Prunella spp.
selfheals
Overview
Prunella spp. is a genus of about 15 species of low, creeping to clump-forming perennials in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native across Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and North America. Plants spread by rooting stems to form mats 4-20 in (10-50 cm) high, with the square stems and paired opposite leaves of the mint family. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped, 1-3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) long, sometimes toothed or lobed. In summer each stem ends in a dense, oblong, cylindrical head of tubular two-lipped flowers, usually violet to purple but pink or white in some species and cultivars, the hooded upper lip arching over a fringed lower lip. Bees and other insects work the flowers heavily. After bloom the head turns brown and holds small nutlets through autumn. The genus grows in grassland, meadows, lawns, woodland edges, and disturbed ground, on a wide range of soils. P. vulgaris is found nearly worldwide and behaves as a lawn and meadow plant that can spread into mown turf. Vigorous creeping growth can crowd smaller neighbours in a border.
Native Range
The genus is native across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, in Europe, temperate Asia, northwest Africa, and North America. Plants grow in grassland, meadows, open woodland, lawns, and disturbed ground, on most soils that hold some moisture.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover, in wildflower meadows, and in lawns managed for flowers, where it supplies summer bloom for bees. P. grandiflora and its cultivars are used at the front of borders and in pollinator plantings for larger flower heads.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through summer, roughly June to September, with the dense flower heads opening a few blooms at a time from the base upward. Bloom continues for many weeks, and plants in mown grass flower on short stems below the blade height. Brown seed heads follow and stand into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet to purple, sometimes pink or whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to part shade and in most moist soils, from loam to clay, tolerating poor and compacted ground. Moisture suits them, and growth is strongest where the soil does not dry out, though established plants tolerate short dry spells. The main limit is spread, as rooting stems and self-seeding move the plant into lawns and beds. No feeding is needed on average soils. Plants tolerate mowing and foot traffic, recovering from creeping stems. Division in spring or autumn renews clumps and controls their extent.Pruning
Spent flower heads are sheared off after bloom to limit self-seeding and tidy the planting. Creeping stems are cut back or lifted where the plant spreads beyond its place.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons