Scutellaria incana

Scutellaria incana is a perennial with an upright habit forming a rounded clump. This floriferous plant has a rapid growth rate. It produces straight stems every spring on which pretty flowers form from July to September. These tubular flowers bear two lips. The flowers come together in compact clusters of a soft lavender-blue.

It has deciduous foliage composed of opposite and ovate leaves. They are fuzzy and crinkled. Of good size, it can reach 50 to 80cm (20 to 32in) in height.

Scutellaria is native to Mongolia, China, and Japan. It is widespread in temperate regions as well as in tropical mountains. Very hardy, it flowers almost everywhere, even under trees.

Its lavender-blue colour beautifully complements other plants. Plant it with other perennials that thrive in dry soils in summer, such as Geranium 'Dilys'.