How to Grow Prunella

Perennial, Prunella Grandiflora

Looking for a pretty and easy to grow, flowering ground cover? Prunella is the answer for you! Native to Europe, Prunella flowers colors include lavender, pink, purple, and white.They are prolific re-seeders.

Prunella flowers are actually classified as an herb. They are a medicinal herb. Every part of the plant is edible (see below)!  

Plant Height: 8" - 12"

Other Plant Names: It is commonly known as "Self Heal" It earned this name for its many medicinal uses.

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Plant Propagation:

Prunella plants are grown from seeds. The seeds should be "Chilled" first in the refrigerator. Put them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. When planting, do not cover the seeds. They need light to germinate. Ideal soil temperature is 70 - 75 degrees. For faster and more successful germination, we recommend using a heated germination mat.

Days to Germination: 15-20

Prunella will also propagate from rooting the creeping stems. The plant will readily root at each node where the stem touches moist ground.

Divide and replant clumps in the spring, or early fall.

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How to Grow Prunella:

Prunella plants are easy to grow. They grow well in almost any soil that drains well.

The plants prefer full to partial sunlight.

Prunella do not need a lot of fertilizer. Mix in compost when first planting. Apply a general purpose fertilizer in the early spring, and again in mid-summer.

Pinch back the growing tips when the plants are young, to promote bushier growth.

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the blooming period. 

Plant Spacing: 12"

Flowers Bloom: Summer to early Fall

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Insects and Disease:

Prunella are seldom bothered by insects and disease. Generally, these plants do not need insecticides or fungicides. On rare occasion where insects or disease are a problem, treat them with an insecticidal soap and /or fungicide at the earliest sign of trouble.

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Edible Prunella:

All parts of the Prunella plant are edible. The leaves are used most often. It can be used raw, cooked, or dried. Older leaves can become somewhat bitter, especially in hot, dry weather.

Try Prunella leaves in soups, stews and salads. You can use it in a cold beverage.

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Medicinal Uses for Prunella:

Prunella has been used for a seemingly endless list of ailments, both external and internal.

Externally, it has been used to treat wounds, for cold sores, mouth ulcers and toe fungus.

Internally, is has been used as a treatment for diarrhea, bloating and internal bleeding.

Note: This is only a partial list.

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