Scutellaria pontica
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sku-tel-LAIR-ee-ah PON-tee-kah
- Description
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Helmet flower is an semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial with showy red to purple flowers in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Unlike other in this family, Helmet flower has no distinguishable scent. A portion of its scientific name is derived from the Latin word scutella. This refers to the small dish like fruiting bodies that remain when the flowers fade. Its common name Helmet flower is derived from the bottom calyx, which resembles a small medieval helmet.
The lowest growing skullcap, it is often used as a ground cover, particularly in a rock garden, this plant forms a prostrate mat of small, rounded leaves. Also used on slopes or banks.
Although full sun is the recommended planting site, a location with some shade is also acceptable. Too much shade can cause the flowering stems to become floppy. The flowers are along one side of the stem.
This perennial can be wood at the base of the plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Scutellaria
- Species:
- pontica
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Turkey, Transcaucasus
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Defines Paths
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Dense
- Horizontal
- Prostrate
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The deep purple-pink flowers resemble snapdragons. Some of the flowering stems can be floppy when enough light is provided. A hooded flower with upper and lower lips.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The shiny leaves are deeply veined. They reach a length and width of up to 1".
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Description:
- Slender prostrate stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Near Septic
- Patio
- Pond
- Pool/Hardscape
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
