Prunella grandiflora

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Prunella grandiflora is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Grassland, usually in calcareous soils.

Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked. A mild flavour.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position or light shade. It requires weeding for the first year or so. They are best spaced about 45cm apart each way. Plants have not been a reliable ground cover in Cornwall, often dying after flowering, though they usually self-sow.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Thrives in any damp soil in a shady position or in full sun. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. The sub-species P. grandiflora pyrenaica has larger flowers and is found wild on acid soils whilst the type species is usually found on alkaline soils. Plants tend to be short-lived, often dying out after flowering heavily in the summer. Fortunately, they will usually self-sow freely. Most plants are hermaphrodite but sometimes male plants are found.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in mid spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown outdoors in situ in mid to late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Lawn;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. pyrenaica.