Self-heal
prunella grandiflora
Also known as: ["All-heal","Heart-of-the-earth","Blue curls"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with attractive, two-lipped flowers and a history of traditional medicinal use.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Prunella |
| Botanical Name: | Prunella grandiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate average garden soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade in extreme heat; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust for seasonal changes.
Soil
well-drained, fertile garden loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools; deadhead regularly; trim selectively; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or root rot in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection; move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during active growth; cease in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPrunella grandiflora is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPrunella grandiflora is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects associated with ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPrunella grandiflora is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Prunella grandiflora edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers are edible and have been used in salads and teas.
Q: Does Prunella grandiflora attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Prunella grandiflora be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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