How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Skullcap Plant

There is more than one skullcap plant and at least one for every potential environment. They have showy flowers and have been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Huan Song reveals how to grow skullcaps yourself.

A close-up shot of a composition flowers and leaves of a skullcap plant

Contents

Scutellaria is a large genus of herbaceous perennials and annual in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Other related herbs in the mint family include lavender, rosemary, and basil. The genus was named after the Latin word “scutella” which means a small dish or cup in reference to the shape of the calyx after flowers fall. The common name of “skullcap plant” refers to military helmets worn in the Middle Ages.

There are hundreds of skullcap plants around the world that have adapted to different growing conditions. In North America, the most widely found is the native Scutellaria lateriflora species, which has the fitting common name, the American skullcap. 

There are also regional varieties found around the world including Scutellaria suffrutescens (pink skullcap) and Scutellaria californica (California skullcap). One of the most widely studied skullcap varieties is Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) which has been used in traditional herbal medicines for thousands of years. Many skullcap products are found on the market today as herbal treatments.

The skullcap plant is relatively easy to grow and faces few pests and diseases. It blooms in showy splashes of pink, purple, white, and blue flowers. Different skullcap plant types are suitable for different growing conditions, but in general, their hardiness and beauty make them an excellent and colorful addition to many landscapes.  

Plant Overview

A shot of a small composition of light-purple colored flowers of a perennial
Plant Type Herbaceous annual or perennial
Family Lamiaceae
Genus Scutellaria
Species Scutellaria spp
Native Area Most of the world
Exposure Full Sun to partial shade
Height 2-3’
Watering Requirements Average
Pests & Diseases Aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew 
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Well-draining
Hardiness Zone 2-8

What is The Skullcap Plant?

The skullcap plant, Scutellaria spp., is an herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family. As with many mints, this plant also has square stalks and spreads by rhizomes and runners. They may have compact, cushion, or mound-forming growth habits. 

Native Area

A shot of several developing flowers and leaves of a perennial in a well lit area
The foliage is found all over the world.

The Scutellaria genus includes approximately 350 different species found all over the world in temperate and subtropical areas. Species of Scutellaria are primarily found in North America, Asia, and Europe, with some extending into South America and the Mediterranean. They thrive in diverse habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and rocky slopes, often preferring well-drained soils and moderate moisture levels.

Characteristics

A close-up shot of developing flowers of a perennial in a well lit area outdoors
The herbage features ovate leaves and unique shaped calyxes of its flowers.

The aerial parts of the herb will die back in the winter and come back as new crops by forming bright green basal rosette clusters in the spring. Many stems will emerge from the rosette as the season progresses. Use the skullcap herb in your landscape as a wildflower border, by a pond, or as part of a rock garden. The flowers have the added benefit of attracting pollinators.

There are many different species in the Scutellaria genus, but they all share the tell-tale characteristics of having skullcap-shaped calyx at the base of their flowers. The tubular, two-lipped, and indeterminate flowers are arranged on upper leaf axils similar to the look of snapdragons. Leaf axils will typically have up to 14 flowers. 

Leaves are ovate and arranged in an opposite configuration along the stems. Leaf colors range from lime green to dark green and some have leaves with toothed margins. Many common names of skullcaps are named after colors, such as the pink skullcap, cherry skullcap, and blue skullcap. Skullcap may be spelled scullcap as another variation. 

Some 35 species of skullcaps have been studied for their pharmacological potential with Scutellaria baicalensis being the most widely studied due to its high concentrations of flavonoids. While not regulated as a medicine in the U.S., consumers can find skullcap tea and extracts sold on the market as herbal treatment for anxiety, sleep disorders, and more. 

Varieties

Out of the more than 350 species of skullcaps, there are a few worth mentioning for standing out amongst the crowd.

Scutellaria lateriflora

A close-up shot of the Scutellaria lateriflora showcasing its blooming flowers in a low lit area
The variety features flowers with varying colors and it blooms along one-sided racemes.

The Scutellaria lateriflora species (American skullcap) is an herb that is native across North America and can be found as far north as Quebec and Newfoundland and as far south as Florida. This skullcap is adapted to wet environments such as marshy meadows, floodplains, ponds, streams, etc. They have three variations of color: pink, white, and blue flowers. 

They bloom from July to early October and are very suited to wetland areas. The name “lateriflora” means “flowering on the side” because the flowers bloom along one-sided racemes. This species is also commonly known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, mad dog weed, and side-flowering skullcap. Researchers are actively studying the effects of the blue skullcap herb on anxiety and sleep disorders. 

Scutellaria baicalensis

A close-up and macro shot of the Scutellaria baicalensis variety, showcasing its flowers and green foliage
It produces blue and purple flowers.

Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) is indigenous to East Asia and parts of Russia. For thousands of years, the Chinese have been using the roots in traditional and natural medicines to treat various ailments including diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, etc. It’s also commonly known as the Baikal skullcap or Huang Qin. Similar to Scutellaria lateriflora, this skullcap herb also produces blue and purple flowers. 

Scutellaria suffrutescens

A shot of a composition of pink flowers of the Scutellaria suffrutescens with a bee feeding on the nectar of a flower
The variety is know for its pink flower blooms.

Scutellaria suffrutescens (pink skullcap) is known for its showy bloom of pink flowers. Despite one of its common names being the pink Texas skullcap, this herb is not native to Texas, but took off after its introduction due to its tolerance to droughts. It can be best grown in rocky or sandy soil with good drainage and in full sun with some afternoon shade. It has a woody base that does not die down annually, and its leaves are semi-evergreen in frost-free regions.  

Scutellaria californica

A close-up shot of white colored flowers of the Scutellaria californica variety
The variety has yellow and white flowers and is said to smell like apples.

Scutellaria californica (California skullcap) is an herb native to the low-elevation mountains of Northern California. This herb produces small yellow and white flowers that bloom in June and July and is said to smell like apples. It prefers to grow in well-draining soil and in an area with partial shade.  

Planting

A shot of a composition of skullcap flowers and leaves in a well lit garden lined with a brick pathway.
Directly sow the seeds outdoors in early spring or start them indoors.

Sow seed directly outdoors in early spring or start indoors six to wight weeks before the last frost. Stratify seeds by chilling them in a moist medium for one to two weeks before planting to improve germination. Sow seeds lightly on the soil surface, as they need light to germinate, and keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

If using cuttings or divisions, plant them in prepared soil and water well. Once established, skullcaps are relatively low-maintenance. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow

Skullcap herbs are easy to care for once established. However, different varieties have different requirements. Some, like the Scutellaria lateriflora, are common in wetlands while others, like the Scutellaria suffrutescens, are very drought-tolerant.  

Light

A shot of blooming flowers basking in bright sunlight outdoors
The flowers perform best in full sun to partial shades.

Different Scutellaria species have different sun requirements. In general, skullcaps They grow best in six or more hours of direct sunlight per day with some partial afternoon shade. Sun is a major factor in the quality and quantity of flowers. 

Water

Water stream pouring out of silver watering can in the vegetable garden.
Watering requirements will differ depending on the variety.

Water and humidity requirements vary greatly depending on the variety. When thinking about introducing a skullcap to your garden, carefully consider your current conditions and choose a variety most suitable for your needs. Many are drought-tolerant after being established.

Soil

A focused image of light brown sandy soil in big and small clumps.
Use a well-draining, sandy or shallow rocky textured soil that is rich in organic matter.

Skullcaps prefer medium to well-draining soil that’s high in organic matter and has sandy or shallow rocky textures. Soil pH preferences also vary depending on type. When grown as a medical herb, skullcaps are specifically put under environmental stress, such as poor soil quality, to promote the production of flavonoids.

Temperature

A shot of a small field of purple colored flowers and green leaves of an herbaceous perennial
Ideal temperatures will differ depending on the variety.

Hardiness and temperature requirements are depended on the variety. S. lateriflora has the widest range and can be grown in USDA hardiness zone 2b to 7b. Other herb species have much more limited range and prefer zones 6b to 8a.

Fertilizing

A close-up of a hand holding granules of black slow-release fertilizer, ready for planting. The granules are textured, promising nourishment for vibrant growth. In the background, a multitude of granules awaits their turn to nurture plants.
Use a slow-release fertilizer to promote more flowers.

Scutellaria spp. are hardy herbs that do not need fertilization once established. If you are trying to promote more flowers, use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose a fertilizer low in nitrogen to promote flowering instead of leaf growth.  

Maintenance

A shot of a hand pruner with black handles being used to prune woody stems or branches
Trim off old woody limbs to promote full and healthy growth.

Pruning aerial parts is beneficial for this perennial herb. Early spring is a good time to prune old woody limbs and to promote more full growth in the middle of the herb which tends to thin out with time. 

Propagation

A shot of several developing flowers in a well lit area
Propagation can be done by seeds of root cuttings.

Many Scutellaria spp. can germinate from seed or be propagated through taking root cuttings. They can be planted anytime during the year and have a tendency to self-seed. Each flower stalk can produce many small black seeds. Seeds need a period of cold stratification and may take up to 30 days to germinate. Nurseries that specialize in native plants will often sell ready-to-transplant seedlings. 

Common Problems

Scutellaria spp. are hardy herbs once established in a garden. They have very few pest and disease issues and are even deer resistant. 

Growing Problems

A shot of several developing flowers and leaves of an herbaceous perennial in a well lit area
Growth issues differ depending on the variety of the perennial.

While Scutellaria herb varieties can flower if grown in partial shade, the best condition to promote abundant flowers is to plant them in full sun. Because different types of skullcaps have different growing needs, it is important to make sure you select the right type for your needs in the garden. 

Do not use a variety that is well adapted for wetlands in an arid rock garden and vice versa. For example, the mad dog skullcap or blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) prefers moist soil and swampy conditions, whereas the pink skullcap (Scutellaria suffrutescens) is native to Mexico and suitable for arid environments. 

Pests

Tiny green, oval-shaped insects clustered on the stems, with some displaying long, slender legs and soft bodies.
Aphids and whiteflies are common pests that can be treated with neem or horticultural oils.

Skullcaps do not face serious pest issues. In fact, many gardeners specifically choose to use skullcap herbs in their landscaping because they are not consumed by deer, rabbits, or geese due to the bitter taste and mild toxicity of the leaves.

Some varieties of skullcap herbs may be susceptible to aphids. These are soft-bodied insects that use their piercing and sucking mouthparts to feed on different varieties. Because many aphids are generalists, they could feed on skullcaps too. Aphids are commonly found on the bottom side of leaves. 

Prune off heavily infected leaves or branches and spray with a strong stream of water to knock off any remaining insects. Because the skullcap herb is an important food source for pollinators, chemical sprays are used as a last resort. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can be used every seven to ten days before sunrise and at dusk to minimize their impact on pollinating insects.

Whiteflies might be another pest that impacts skullcaps, especially if grown inside a greenhouse. Similar to the treatment of aphids, a blast of water, neem oil and other horticultural oils, and insecticidal soaps can be applied to treat a whitefly infestation. 

If there is an issue with whiteflies, it’s likely to be on many different species and not just on the skullcaps so it’s important to control the overall pest population in the garden or greenhouse. 

Diseases

A close-up of a large green leaf displaying white-gray powdery mildew, indicative of a fungal disease.
Powdery mildew is the most common disease of the perennial, and it can be treated easily.

Skullcaps are not very susceptible to diseases and are very hardy. There have been some reported cases of powdery mildew on skullcaps, although this is an occasional issue. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that covers leaves in a white coating of powdery spores. As the disease progresses, it hinders its photosynthesizing and saps the herb

There are various treatments for powdery mildew including spraying with a sulfur spray, a milk spray, diluted baking soda, and neem oil. You can also prevent the development of powdery mildew by making sure there is good air circulation and keeping the leaves dry. Similar to whiteflies and aphids, powdery mildew is also more likely to occur on skullcaps in greenhouse settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is skullcap a perennial?

Skullcap herb species are perennials that spread by rhizomes below the soil and runners above the soil.

Is skullcap herb invasive?

Skullcaps are a fast grower, but not invasive. There are different skullcap herb varieties that are native to North America, including the American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), the pink skullcap (Scutellaria suffrutescens), and many others. These can produce an abundance of seeds and can self-seed to cover a large area of ground in just a few years.

Where should I grow skullcap?

Skullcap herbs are an excellent species for ground cover in sunny areas, rock gardens, and by the edge of ponds.

When should I pick my skullcap?

Up to two thirds of the herb can be harvested in August or when the flowers are in bloom.

How long does skullcap plant take to grow?

Skullcap herbs grow very quickly and can reach a full mound shape in just one growing season. Over several years, it can quickly spread and cover large ground to provide showy visual interest in blue, white, pink, and purple flowers.

Does skullcap plant grow back?

Yes, skullcap is mostly a perennial plant and will grow back year after year.

Can I grow skullcap indoors?

Skullcap seeds and seedlings are started indoors but then transplanted outside once the danger of frost has passed.

What is skullcap used for?

Skullcap herb and specifically the Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) have been used as traditional Chinese medicine dating back to thousands of years. The roots are used to treat various diseases. There is ongoing scientific research and animal studies on its potential medicinal crop opportunities to treat anxiety, inflammation, etc.

Share This Post
A woman in gray pants and a checkered red shirt holds a potted indoor dying lavender, with rotting brown stems and wilted leaves at the base.

Herbs

Why Is My Indoor Lavender Dying? 13 Expert Fixes

Is your precious indoor lavender dying? Although you can grow this culinary gem indoors, there are a few issues to look for. In this article, herb enthusiast Matt Dursum explains why your indoor lavender is dying and what to do about it.

A wooden raised bed in a winter garden, holding a mint plant with delicate, partially frost-covered green leaves featuring serrated edges, blanketed by a layer of snow.

Herbs

9 Ways to Keep Your Herbs Alive All Winter

Fresh and dried herbs are soothing throughout winter in savory cuisine, warming teas, emollient salves, and refreshing home fragrances. To protect our favorites and perpetuate all the benefits they bring, extra winter care may be in order. Explore how to best overwinter herbs with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

Fresh mint leaves, vibrant green and neatly spread, are arranged on a white dehydrator tray as they begin to dry.

Herbs

13 Best Herbs for Drying 

If you love to cook at home and grow herbs, I encourage you to dry them so they can help you make delicious meals all season. Herbs make mealtime so exciting, so let’s learn about various drying methods and discuss the 13 best herbs for drying with organic farmer Jenna Rich.

Vivid red, spiky petals emerge in clusters from tall, thin stems, creating a bold contrast against the green leaves in the background.

Herbs

9 Native Herb Alternatives to Aggressive Mint

Although we love using mint in delicious teas, juleps, and mojitos, it’s a weedy non-native herb! Its aggressive nature threatens North American ecosystems where it crowds out beneficial species. Plant these 9 native herbs instead to boost biodiversity in your yard today! Join native plant gardener Jerad Bryant in discovering the best mint replacements you can plant this year.

A vibrant green lawn framed by neatly arranged shrubs and flowers, bordered by a stone path leading to a cozy corner surrounded by dense greenery.

Herbs

37 Herb Garden Design Ideas

Versatile designs and adaptable plants make it possible to grow herbs in various garden situations. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring an array of herb planting designs to fit any space. Throughout the seasons, we’ll be clipping fresh, fragrant selections with abandon.

Peppermint, a popular mint variety, has dark green, smooth, lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges on square, reddish stems.

Herbs

19 Mint Varieties For Your Edible Garden

Did you know that there are nearly 20 varieties of mint? Classics like spearmint, fruity herbs like banana mint, and flowering plants that you never knew were actually mint, like pennyroyal, are just a few on the list. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep will explain the subtle difference between these many Mentha species.