Prunella vulgaris (Self Heal) is a perennial herb that is native to temperate regions across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Self Heal is easy to grow in cool climates and can be used as a pretty flower, ground cover or handy companion plant. Although it can become invasive, it is also a highly renowned medicinal herb and is part of many traditional remedies.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical Climates.
As Prunella vulgaris is native to four heavily populated continents, the plant has many common names. These include Brownwort, Blue Curls, Heart of the Earth, Carpenter’s Herb, All Heal, Sickle Wort, Hook Heal, Woundwort and Dragonhead. In many cultures, Self Heal is highly regarded as a medicinal herb which gives rise to its many healing names.
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Growth
Prunella vulgaris is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a compact height of 30cm (12 inches) tall by 25cm (10 inches) wide. Self Heal grows wild on roadsides, woodland edges and where soils are disturbed and low in nutrients. Though a temperate plant that can tolerate frost, it is susceptible to damage if exposed to temperatures below -5°C / 23°F.
Self Heal leaves are lance-shaped and serrated with a reddish tip and grow in opposite pairs down the main stem. The flowers are shaped like a caveman’s club, with two leaves below that resemble a collar. Purple is the predominant colour but shades of pink and blue are possible. The more likely time of year to flower is during Summer but that can depend on the climate.
When grown from seed in ideal conditions, Self Heal plants can start being harvested from around 60-70 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5-35°C / 23-95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 25cm (10 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 62-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1250
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PRUNELLA VULGARIS (Self Heal)
The young leaves and stems of Prunella vulgaris can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches or can be boiled and eaten as a leaf vegetable. Flowers and leaves can be dried and ground into a powder to create a cold infusion, herbal tea or incorporated into a poultice.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Self Heal plant is used to treat dry coughs, red eyes, boils and dizziness while in modern day China it is the main ingredient in many herbal teas including the popular Wong Lo Kat.
Self Heal leaves are commonly boiled in water before being added to a bath to sooth and relieve pain from muscles.
For more information regarding the Self Heal plant please click here.
