Scutellaria incana (Downy skullcap)

Botanical name

Scutellaria incana

Other names

Downy skullcap, Hoary skullcap, Hyssop skullcap

Genus

Scutellaria Scutellaria

Species

S. incana - S. incana is an upright, bushy perennial with hairy stems, ovate, toothed, wrinkled, dark green leaves and loose, upright racemes of lipped, violet-blue and white flowers from summer into early autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Bushy, Upright

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Colour

Flower

White, Violet, Blue in Summer; White, Violet, Blue in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Prone to red spider mites and aphids under glass.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Propagation

Seed needs an extended cold period to germinate.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division, Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Scutellaria incana (Downy skullcap) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Wildflower, Wildlife, Woodland

Cultivation

Grows best in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alklaine, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Scutellaria incana (Downy skullcap)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/