Species heart-leaved skullcap Guide
blue flowers and buds with green leaves and stems

heart-leaved skullcap

Scutellaria ovata

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Blue - purple Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Heart-leaved skullcap (Scutellaria ovata) should be watered when the top 1" inch of soil is dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot then empty any excess water left in the bottom tray. Water the plant every 3-5 days depending on the season and temperature and let it dry out between waterings. Do not overwater as the plant is prone to root rot.

sunlight

Heart-leaved skullcap can thrive in full to partial sunlight. In an outdoor environment, it should get 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. It may also tolerate some dappled shade in direct sunlight, but it is best to ensure that the plant receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown indoors, it should be placed in a location close to a bright window where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight.

pruning

Heart-leaved skullcap (Scutellaria ovata) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps rejuvenate and encourage substantial growth of foliage. When doing the pruning, be sure to cut back stems to the base of the plant where it meets the crown. All weak or dead stems should be removed. To ensure the longevity of the plants, remove any stems that show signs of disease or rot. Pruning encourages branching and will result in a more full and bushy growth habit. It also encourages blooms. It is important to prune your Heart-leaved skullcap after it has finished blooming for the season. This will ensure that the plant has time to set new buds that will be ready for the following season.