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Herbaceous Perennial

Prunella vulgaris
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

selfheal

A creeping perennial to 30cm, with rooting stems bearing oblong or ovate leaves and short erect spikes of deep violet, rarely pink or white, tubular flowers in summer and early autumn

Other common names
all-heal
blue curls
see moreblue Lucy
brownwort
brunel
caravaun bog
carpenter grass
carpenter's square
heart of the earth
herb carpenter
Hercules' all-heal
hook-heal
hookweed
panay
proud carpenter
self heal
sickle-heal
sicklewort
slough-heal
square stem
carpenter's herb
heal-all
thimble flower
Synonyms
Prunella incisa
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Blue Purple
Autumn Blue Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Prunella are semi-evergreen perennials of spreading habit, the prostrate stems rooting at the nodes, with dense, short spikes of small, 2-lipped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N Hemisphere

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow plant for any soil in full sun or partial shade. May be considered invasive. Attract bees and other beneficial insects. Good ground cover

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Deadhead to prevent self-seeding

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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