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Scutellaria suffrutescens

Image of Scutellaria suffrutescens

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Scutellaria suffrutescens

Plant Common Name

Mexican Skullcap

General Description

Recently introduced from the uplands of Mexico, this tender mat-forming sub-shrub is valued for its drought tolerance and its prolific season-long display of bright pink flowers. Reminiscent of snapdragons, the tubular, two-lipped flowers are densely borne in short spikes. The small gray evergreen leaves are paired on square stems.

Pink skullcap is a great plant for water wise landscapes. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, but will take a bit of shifting shade. Where not hardy it works well as an annual. It looks wonderful in the rock garden or perennial border, or trailing from a container or planter.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 10

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3"-8" / 7.6cm - 20.3cm

  • Width

    10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall

  • Native To

    Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Mat-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Magenta, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Gray Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Chocolate

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Lawns and Turf, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes