Prunella grandiflora -
| Family: | Labiatae |
| Habit: | Perennial |
| Height: | 0.15 |
| Width: | 0.45 |
| Synonyms: | P. pyrenaica. |
| Range: | Europe. |
Prunella grandiflora will flower in January to March. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees
Soil Information
Prunella grandiflora will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Prunella grandiflora prefers moist soils
Ideal Planting Locations
Prunella grandiflora can grow in semi or areas with no shade.Grassland, usually in calcareous soils[50].
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds
- Planted in the lawn
Cultivation Details
Thrives in any damp soil in a shady position[1, 111] or in full sun[200]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[187]. The sub-species P. grandiflora pyrenaica has larger flowers and is found wild on acid soils whilst the type species is usually found on alkaline soils[187]. Plants tend to be short-lived, often dying out after flowering heavily in the summer[208]. Fortunately, they will usually self-sow freely[K]. Most plants are hermaphrodite but sometimes male plants are found.Edible Uses*
* See disclaimerEdible Rating: 3/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105]. A mild flavour[K].
- Leaves -
Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimerMedicinal Rating: 0/5
None known
Propagation
Seed - sow in mid spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed then it can be sown outdoors in situ in mid to late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.Known Hazards
None knownOther Uses
Can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position or light shade[188, 197]. It requires weeding for the first year or so[197]. They are best spaced about 45cm apart each way[208]. Plants have not been a reliable ground cover in Cornwall, often dying after flowering, though they usually self-sow[K].- Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.
Cultivars
'' - There are several named forms, selected for their ornamental properties. We know of no form that has been selected for its useful properties and so have not listed any cultivars here. In general, unless you specifically require particular ornamental properties, we recommend growing the species instead of any cultivars.References
Flora Europaea?
Author: ?
Rating:
Publisher : An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1964
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992
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