Caucasian Skullcap Plant Care

Caucasian Skullcap (Scutellaria caucasica) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Scutellaria genus. Caucasian Skullcap is native to the Caucasus region.

Caucasian Skullcap displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Caucasian Skullcap produces small tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Caucasian Skullcap every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Caucasian Skullcap thrives in full sun to part shade.

Scutellaria caucasica tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Caucasian Skullcap prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Caucasian Skullcap to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Caucasian Skullcap every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Caucasian Skullcap is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Caucasian Skullcap can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Caucasian Skullcap while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Caucasian Skullcap is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Caucasian Skullcap can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tuva skullcap plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Caucasian Skullcap is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Caucasian Skullcap grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Caucasian Skullcap is native to the Caucasus region.