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Skullcap Scutellaria suffrutescens

Other plants called Skullcap:

Phonetic Spelling
sku-tel-LAIR-ee-ah suf-fru-TESS-sens
Description

Cherry skullcap is an herbaceous perennial with showy rosy pink flowers native to Mexico in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.  Although not a native to the United States, it has been introduced into Texas and some refer to it as a Texas native, and added Texas Pink Skullcaps a common name. Like others in the genus, the common name Skullcap comes from the flowers resemblance to military helmets from the Middle Ages. The species name suffrutescens refers to the plant having a somewhat woody base that does not die down yearly.

In frost free locals its velvety gay green leaves are evergreen to semi-evergreen. They look quite festive dotted with cheery rose pink flowers that last from spring until fall.  This plant is quite tolerant of drought, dry soils and browsing by deer and rabbits once it is established.  

Grow it in full sun, however in hotter climates some afternoon shade is best.  Sandy or rocky soils with good drainage are best.  It can be grown as a perennial or an annual, depending on the location.  Grown as annual, it will not self-seed.  Where it grows as a perennial, its self seeding tendencies allow the plant to form a dense ground cover. . Some die back may occur in the winter months, but new stems will form the next spring. Perennial groundcovers benefit from a significant cut back in the spring once new growth emerges to maintain an attractive appearance.

The flowers attract pollinators making it an excellent choice for a butterfly or children's garden. The interesting texture and color brighten up a patio or poolside planting or help guide visitors to the garden along a walkway.  It works well in containers or can be mass planted along a slope or used as an accent in a rock or xeric garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Aphids frequent this plant.  Leaf spot and powdery mildew are occasional issues.  This plant is intolerant of wet soils.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Texas Rose'
    Darker flowers
'Texas Rose'
Tags:
#showy flowers#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#pink flowers#red flowers#rabbit resistant#mounding#perennial flowers#deer resistant#children's garden#long bloom time#groundcover#rock garden#humidity tolerant#clay soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#compact#wet soils intolerant#perennial#annual#long lived#wildflower
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Texas Rose'
    Darker flowers
'Texas Rose'
Tags:
#showy flowers#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#low growing#pink flowers#red flowers#rabbit resistant#mounding#perennial flowers#deer resistant#children's garden#long bloom time#groundcover#rock garden#humidity tolerant#clay soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#compact#wet soils intolerant#perennial#annual#long lived#wildflower
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Scutellaria
    Species:
    suffrutescens
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Northeastern Mexico
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Wildlife Cover/Habitat
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Ground Cover
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    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:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, pink to rose colored flowers bloom for an extended period.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Orbicular
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Narrow gray-green leaves up to 3" long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Pool/Hardscape
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Humidity
    Rabbits