Also known as Skullcap · 313 saves
Scutellaria
Scutellaria, the genus most gardeners know as skullcap. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Scutellaria varieties
7 species of Scutellaria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Scutellaria in Sow
Save the Scutellaria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Scutellaria
Whats common across all Scutellaria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Scutellaria year
- Spring CleanupMarch73% of varieties
Cut back old herbaceous growth before new spring shoots emerge.
- PlantApril, May and October64% of varieties
Install nursery container plants or plugs into well-drained garden beds.
- DivideApril and October64% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-5 years to refresh vigor
- MulchApril55% of varieties
Apply organic compost lightly around plant crowns to retain soil moisture.
- DeadheadJuly–September36% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes for a tidier appearance
Do
- Plant in light, sharply draining soil mixtures.
- Cut back previous year's dead stems in late winter before spring shoots emerge.
- Top-dress annually with organic compost to supply gentle nutrition.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils or areas subject to standing water.
- Do not apply high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizers.
What goes wrong with Scutellaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage during hot, dry periods. | Increase local humidity and mist the foliage regularly, or apply horticultural oil. |
| Aphids and spider mites | Stippling, leaf distortion, and visible insect feeding on foliage. | Monitor leaves and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if infestations grow heavy. |
| Deer and rabbits | Browsed stems and damaged foliage from grazing. | Erect physical barriers or apply repellents around vulnerable stems. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and mushy dark roots caused by over-saturation. | Improve soil drainage and avoid planting in compacted or waterlogged ground. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery fungal growth on leaf surfaces during humid periods. | Ensure proper spacing between plants to maximize air circulation. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Scutellaria
Seed
- Collect dry seed capsules in late summer as they mature.
- Sow seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting medium.
- Keep the medium lightly moist until germination occurs.
- Pot up seedlings into individual containers once true leaves develop.
cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil
- Keep cuttings in indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop
Scutellaria questions
How many types of Scutellaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Scutellaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 313 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Scutellaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Scutellaria covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Scutellaria bloom?
Most Scutellaria varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring to mid-summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Scutellaria 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.