Family: Lamiaceae
Common Name: Self-heal

Prunella has a long history of use in herbal medicine, being especially recommended for throat problems and for healing wounds. The generic name is thought to have derived from a German word, itself corrupted from medieval Latin brunella, a name for tonsillitis. Widely grown in the UK, this genus of around seven species of hardy perennials is originally from Eurasia, northern Africa and North America. It may become invasive if not controlled, and is especially suitable for wild gardens, for instance in shaded positions, where the soil is moist. Spikes of colourful flowers appear in summer.

Species

P. grandiflora, large self-heal, zone 5, is 15 cm (6 in) high, with a spread of at least 1 m (3 it). It makes a good groundcover or rock garden plant. It is slightly hairy, with purple flowers. Cultivar 'Alba' has white flowers; 'Rosea' has rose-red flowers; 'Rubra' has deep red flowers.

P. vulgaris, self-heal or sickle wort, zone 3, is a creeping plant, with a spread of 50 cm (20 in), sending out runners that form dense clumps of dull green, wedge-shaped foliage. The blueish violet or purple flowers are borne on spikes about 10 cm (4 in) high.

Cultivation

Prunellas can be grown in most soils in sun or shade. These vigorous, spreading plants seed freely. Propagate from seed or by division of the clumps in alternate years, to keep growth under control.

Climate

Zone 5 for P. grandiflora; zone 3 for P. vulgaris.