Scutellaria longifolia - Red fountain, Purple fountain
Family Lamiaceae
Description:
About 300 species of Scutellaria
are found around the world. They are herbaceous plants, often with
attractive flowers. The identity of this particular plant is confused in popular
literature and it may be found as Scutellaria
longifolia, S. longiflora, S. costaricana, and even as a species of
Salvia. Obviously, this plant is not
well-known or widely grown in gardens. Apparently, this is a wild species from
the mountains of Mexico
and Central America. They have short spikes of
bright fuschia-red, tubular flowers on new growth. It will bloom over a long
season if conditions are good for continued growth.
Size:
A herbaceous perennial. Popular references describe this plant as two to five feet tall. Local plants grow low and spreading.
Care Instructions:
Light: sun to part shade
Water: moist, well-drained soil, not very drought tolerant
Soil: adaptable to soil types, no other special requirements
This plant seems to grow best in Jacksonville in a moist, well-drained soil in
a sun or part sun.
