Downy Skullcap
scutellaria incana
Also known as: ["Downy Skullcap","Scullcap"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its lavender-blue flowers and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","medicinal use"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Scutellaria |
| Botanical Name: | Scutellaria incana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°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: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; more intensive pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid excessive cutting.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; ensure adequate airflow to prevent leaf burn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, and avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid drafts, use a thermometer to monitor, and adjust care based on seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growing season (spring to early fall)
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing before dormancy.
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, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (70–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagation dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide gentle bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness, deadhead spent flowers, and trim leggy stems to encourage compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant spray.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy or after flowering, remove dead/damaged growth, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure adequate drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, refresh soil, and place in a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the container; beneficial for rejuvenation.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with fresh soil, trim roots if necessary, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
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 aged manure for fertility; mix perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot in damp conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, and reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute properly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicScutellaria incana is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicScutellaria incana is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicScutellaria incana is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scutellaria incana toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the common uses of Downy Skullcap?
A: It is primarily used for its medicinal properties and as an ornamental plant.
Q: Does Scutellaria incana attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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