Hyssop Skullcap
Scutellaria integrifolia
One of the richest blues in the native palette, blooming late spring on dry, open sites. Built for bumblebees, it self-seeds modestly.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
The richest, clearest blue of any native late-spring perennial we carry, specifically designed to attract bumblebees. and one of the few skullcap species readily available in commerce.
Hyssop skullcap blooms in late spring and early summer with a clear blue to blue-violet that's among the richest, most saturated blues in the native plant palette. The tubular flowers, arranged in loose racemes atop the stems, are shaped specifically for bumblebees: the lower lip acts as a landing platform and the tight corolla tube ensures the bee contacts the anthers when accessing the nectar. Bumble bee activity on skullcap flowers in June is one of the most satisfying things to watch in a pollinator garden. It grows on dry, open sites in the eastern US, making it ideal for meadow plantings, dry borders, and well-drained spots where clear blue color in late spring is most needed. Self-seeds modestly to naturalize over time without becoming weedy.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown hyssop skullcap propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 1–2 ft · 12–18 in wide
- Bloom time
- Late spring through early summer
- Bloom color
- Purple, Blue
- USDA zones
- 5–9
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native range
- Eastern United States
Care notes for hyssop skullcap.
Full sun to part shade in dry to average, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important. avoid wet conditions. Cut back after bloom to encourage reblooming or tidy growth. Self-seeds gently. No fertilizing needed in average to poor soil. Very deer-resistant due to bitter compounds in foliage.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside hyssop skullcap.
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