Also known as Skullcap · 288 saves
Scutellaria
Scutellaria, the genus most gardeners know as skullcap. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Scutellaria varieties
4 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 8 most-grown of them.
The Scutellaria year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October63% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
- DivideMarch and September63% of varieties
Divide mature clumps every 3-5 years to refresh vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary63% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts
- DeadheadJune–August50% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes for a tidier appearance
- MulchMarch38% of varieties
Apply a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring
- Monitor for pests and diseases consistently
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t forget to remove dead or damaged stems
- Avoid planting in dense shade which hampers flowering
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 foliage | Spray with water and apply horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates maintenance as low |
| Root rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Scutellaria
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
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist for germination, which takes about 2-3 weeks.
Scutellaria questions
How many types of Scutellaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Scutellaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 288 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.