Self-heal (Prunella surrecta)
Care, watering, light and tips for Self-heal on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Self-heal
Prunella surrecta, commonly known as Brunelle bâtarde, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, forming low, spreading mats. It is characterized by its spikes of purple or lavender flowers that bloom from late spring to autumn, attracting pollinators. It is ideal for ground cover in rock gardens, along paths, or as part of a wildflower meadow.
Native range
Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade exposure and adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils, though it favors slightly moist conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, and it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is planting it in excessively heavy, poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Self-heal
- Warning signs
- Drooping leaves, soft and yellowing stems, little to no flowering.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, drastically reduce watering, check drainage.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and deep shade, promoting rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotten and green stems remain.