Guide to growing Self heal - Prunella
Prunella are mat growing hardy perennials that range from 15 to 30cm in height.
They bloom from spring through to autumn and carry hooded clusters of small flowers that are usually blue or purple in colour.
Their size makes Prunella great for using in rock gardens or for growing in a garden border.
A common name for Prunella is Self Heal.
How to grow Self Heal
Sow the seeds of Self Heal and other Prunella members outside at the start of spring before the last frost. The Self Heal seeds should be lightly coved once sown. Ideally Self Heal should grow in a soil of pH 6 to 7.5. Prunella species can grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas of the garden.
If starting Prunella indoors then do so about ten weeks in advance (they should be transplanted outdoors in the spring)/ It should take from one to two months for the Prunella to germinate at a temperature of 12 to 18 degrees centigrade. Once ready transplant Prunella outdoors with a spacing of about 30 to 45cm.
Caring for Prunella
It is easy to grow and look after Prunella species such as Self Heal in the garden. They require regular dead heading of old flowers to maintain attractiveness and to encourage further blooming. Once the flowering season is over cut the plant back to ground level. It is a good idea to plant Prunella species in a confined area of the garden such as a rock garden, and to control rigorously as it can easily take over the garden (especially a lawn).