Scutellaria baicalensis, Baikal Skullcap, Huang-qin

This perennial is one of the most important plants we grow, and not the easiest! We start plants in the greenhouse in mid-February, and transplant out when they have some size and the danger of frost has passed. Once established, they grow long, woody stems that bear incredibly beautiful purple to blue flowers that linger through July and August. By hand weeding we keep them free of competition and can often spot a self-seeded young one. They don't seem to be especially long-lived or extremely cold resistant, but they do seem to be drought hardy. A rock gardener's delight.

Grow specs: 15 inches. Well-drained garden soil. Full sun.

A very important herb in Chinese medicine, Skullcap has been used to purge the fire of a high fever and to dispel heat, expel wetness, stop bleeding and detoxify. It is also said to be soothing to a fetus and helpful in preventing abortion. It has been used for lung inflammation, coughing, high blood pressure, acute dysentery and hepatitis.  
$5.00

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