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Scutellaria pontica

Phonetic Spelling
sku-tel-LAIR-ee-ah PON-tee-kah
Description

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:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#low growing#semi-evergreen#purple flowers#red flowers#showy leaves#perennial flowers#groundcover#bee friendly#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#low growing#semi-evergreen#purple flowers#red flowers#showy leaves#perennial flowers#groundcover#bee friendly#perennial
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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".
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Description:
    Slender prostrate stems.
  • 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