Also known as Self-heal · 170 saves
Prunella
Prunella, the genus most gardeners know as self-heal. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Prunella varieties
Species of Prunella
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Prunella in Sow
Save the Prunella you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Prunella
Whats common across all Prunella varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Prunella year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to control spread or rejuvenate
- PlantMarch and September67% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Rake away old foliage and debris before new growth starts
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote new growth
- Fertilize in early spring with organic compost
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season to prevent legginess
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly-drained soil
What goes wrong with Prunella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Prunella
Division
- Divide in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions 8 inches apart
seed
- Sow seeds on the soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in a warm, bright location.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, transplant seedlings when large enough.
Prunella questions
How many types of Prunella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Prunella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 170 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Prunella grow in?
Across its varieties, Prunella covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Prunella bloom?
Most Prunella varieties bloom in late spring to late summer, mid-summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Prunella should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.