Dracocephalum moldavica ( Moldavian Dragonhead ) is a flowering herbaceous plant native to China, India, Iran and Russia. Moldavian Dragonhead produces lemon-scented blue flowers and can be used in teas, folklore medicine or as an ornamental. It is one of the most magnetic flowers in the plant kingdom for bees and so make great companions in garden beds.
Suitable for all climates when grown during the warm seasons.
Other common names include Moldavian Balm, Blue Dragonhead and Melissa.
Leaves and flowers are dried and used to make a refreshing tea and are added to salads, fish dishes and desserts. Moldavian Dragonhead is made into folklore medicines to improve the liver and digestive system.
Flowers are rich in sweet nectar and attract lots of good insects and bees into the garden. An ideal plant to grow near fruit trees to increase the number of pollinated flowers.
Growth
Dracocephalum moldavica is an annual flowering plant that reaches heights of around 40 cm (16 inches). Grown during the warm seasons in colder climates and year round where temperatures won’t fall below 10°C / 50°F. Moldavian Dragonhead is fast growing and will start to produce their bright blue flowers within 2 months.
They tolerate a little shade but to achieve full blossom they require full sun and thrive in temperatures between 16-22° C / 60-71° F. Adding extra water and a balanced fertilizer before and during flowering increases the number of blooms. Once established they can be drought tolerant and will continue to bloom throughout spring and summer.
If harvesting to make a tea, cut the stem when the flowers are in full bloom and most of the buds are blooming. One stem can have anywhere between 8-20 flowers. Once harvested, dry the flowers while still attached the stem. A dehydrator is ideal but otherwise allow them to dry in the sun over a few days. Pick the flowers off the stem after they have dried and keep them in an airtight container.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 38°C / 50 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining garden soil
LOCATION:
Full sun, part shade in very hot climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 cm’s (16 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (12 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees.
MATURITY:
Average 8 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
93%
GERMINATION TIME:
5-10 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
YNo
FACTS ABOUT DRACOCEPHALUM MOLDAVICA (Moldavian Dragonhead)
Moldavian Dragonhead plants are cultivated commercially for their essential oil.
This species has been grown for centuries to be used as the main ingredient in herbal teas.
