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Buy Scutellaria suffrutescens

Also Known As

Cherry Skullcap

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

H: 3"-8"
W: 10"-18"

planting zones

6a-9b

3" pot | $15

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Fewer than 6 at Secret Garden Growers

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Scutellaria suffrutescens plant details

Scutellaria suffrutescens is a broadleaf semi-evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Scutellaria suffrutescens

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 10 IN - 18 IN - wide, 3 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, edging plant, long-blooming, rock garden, self-sowing, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Scutellaria suffrutescens

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Scutellaria suffrutescens or cherry skullcap forms wide-spreading, groundcovering mounds of small grey-green foliage covered in a continuous display of bright pink to cherry red, snapdragon-like flowers from spring until fall. Grow in hot sunny spots with infertile, dry soils. May self seed in warmer winter climates and remain semi-evergreen. Hardy to zone 5b with good drainage in a sheltered location with winter protection.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Rugged little perennial ground cover 3-6’’ tall, spreading 12-18’’; upright, crowded stems are topped with luscious cherry red flowers June to October. Critter resistant. Drought tolerant (but takes moderate water); will grow in thin, rocky soils; needs decent drainage. Full sun is best but will take some afternoon shading. Evergreen in warmer winters, deciduous elsewhere. Good rock garden selection; often reseeds to form a dense, weed competing cover. Nice below Agapanthus!

By: Secret Garden Growers

Tiny snap dragon like flowers.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

If you are looking tidy edger for a path or a garden bed, it is hard to find a better plant than this shrublet from Mexico. Growing 4-8" tall and to 12" wide, it has a dense growth habit & glossy foliage. Early Summer to early Fall, beautiful rose pink snapdragon-like flowers cover the mound of foliage to the delight of butterflies. As the flowers wither, they leave behind the skullcap shaped seed capsules that have given the plant its name. This can-do plant loves heat, is drought tolerant, deer resistant, very pretty AND it does not mind humidity! A rare combination of virtues that has made it a very popular, especially in Texas. The only caveat is that it must have sun & good drainage.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Low mounding subshrub with continuous display of hot, cherry-red flowers. Grows best in sunny, well-drained sites. Good in raised beds, rock gardens or in front of the border. Tender perennial. Xeriscape. Garden loam or sandy soil. USDA zones 6-9; perennial protected sites zone 5a .

By: Plant Select®

Garden photo gallery of Scutellaria suffrutescens

Photo of Scutellaria suffrutescens flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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Photo of Scutellaria suffrutescens flower by Panayoti Kelaidis

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By: Panayoti Kelaidis

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By: Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo of Scutellaria suffrutescens flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery

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By: Far South Wholesale Nursery

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Photo of Scutellaria suffrutescens flower, foliage by Jennifer Gibson Dennis

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By: Jennifer Gibson Dennis

Gardening facts about Scutellaria suffrutescens plant

How to Grow Scutellaria suffrutescens

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
Wildlife
- bees
- hummingbirds
Flower Season
- fall
- summer
Foliage Season
- semi-evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Scutellaria for your garden

Scutellaria diffusa

aka Turkish Skullcap

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Herb

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 12"

sun
low - drought tolerant

Photo of Scutellaria diffusa form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

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Scutellaria longifolia 'Purple Fountains'

aka Scutellaria 'Purple Fountain', Scutellaria longifolia 'Purple Fountain', Purple Fountain Scutellaria, Purple Fountains Skullcap, Ventenat's Hot Pink Skullcap