Overview
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family or Lamiaceae. It is a subspecies of the common selfheal or heal-all, which is widely distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant has several common names, including dwarf selfheal, small selfheal, and common selfheal nana.
Description
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is a perennial plant that grows up to 15 cm tall. It has a creeping rhizome that produces weak stems that are square-shaped and covered with fine hair. The plant's leaves are ovate, opposite, and have serrated edges. The flowers are small, tubular, and purple, arranged in dense clusters on the stem's top. It blooms from June to September.
Uses
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant for centuries. It contains several bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The plant has been used to treat various ailments, such as sore throat, digestive problems, and skin irritations. The leaves and flowers are also a rich source of nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
Cultivation
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute grows best in moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH levels. The plant spreads quickly by seeds and rhizome, forming a dense mat on the ground. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and ground covers. Pruning the plant after flowering can also promote new growth and prevent it from becoming too invasive.
Light Conditions
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute, commonly known as self-heal, prefers to grow in areas with partial shade to full sunlight. However, it can tolerate a wide range of light conditions and can grow in areas with full shade as well.
Temperature Requirements
Self-heal can be found growing in a variety of temperature ranges. It is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate both extreme heat and cold temperatures. It grows best in areas with an average temperature between 18-22°C. However, it can still survive in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 38°C.
Soil Type and Nutrient Requirements
Self-heal grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It has the ability to grow in a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy and even clay soils. However, it prefers to grow in soils that are slightly moist but not waterlogged. To support its growth, the plant requires medium levels of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These can be added by mixing compost, manure or fertilizers into the soil before planting.
Cultivation
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is a hardy and low-growing perennial herb that thrives in a variety of soil types, including well-drained, loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It requires full sun to partial shade and can be propagated through seed, division, or cuttings.
If starting from seeds, sow them in late winter in a seed tray or outdoors in early spring. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist until germination. When seedlings have grown several leaves, thin them out to 3-5 inches apart. For division, separate new plants from mature ones in the early spring or fall and transplant them into separate locations.
Watering Needs
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute prefers evenly moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type, during the growing season. Refrain from overwatering, as it may lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. Water plants more sparingly in the fall and winter.
Fertilization
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute does not require much fertilizer, but an annual application of balanced fertilizer before new growth emerges in the spring can help to boost nutrient levels and support vigorous growth. Avoid using too much nitrogen-based fertilizers as it can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced blooming.
Pruning
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute requires minimal pruning, but it is recommended to remove spent flower stalks and dead or damaged leaves after blooming. Pinching back new growth in late spring or early summer can help to promote bushier growth and increase the number of blooms. Divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and boost plant health.
Propagation of Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute can easily be propagated by the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute can be propagated from seed. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil, either directly in the garden or in seed trays. Keep the soil continuously moist during the germination process, which takes 7-14 days, and then thin the seedlings to the desired spacing.
Division Propagation
The plant can be propagated through division. Divide the plant in spring before new growth appears, or in fall after the plant has finished flowering. Gently pull the clump apart into smaller sections, each with its own roots. Replant the divided sections at their original depth.
Cuttings Propagation
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute can also be propagated from softwood cuttings. Take 4-6 inch long cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top, then dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil evenly moist until the cutting has rooted, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute, commonly known as Dwarf Selfheal, is a hardy perennial herb that does not require much care. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases and pests that can cause serious damage if not managed properly. Here is a guide to disease and pest management for Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is powdery mildew, which manifests as white or grayish powdery patches on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and dispose of them safely. You should also ensure that the plant is well-ventilated as powdery mildew thrives in humid and crowded conditions. You can apply a fungicide if the disease is widespread.
Another disease that affects Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. The symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To prevent root rot, make sure that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. You should also avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the pot or container has adequate drainage holes. If the plant is already affected by root rot, remove it from the soil and cut away any affected roots before repotting it in fresh soil.
Common Pests
Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute can also be affected by pests such as spider mites and aphids. Spider mites cause yellow stippling on the leaves and webs on the undersides of the leaves. You can manage spider mites by regularly misting the leaves with water to increase humidity and wiping them with a damp cloth. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the leaves, causing curling or distortion. You can manage aphids by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or by wiping them off with a damp cloth. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Overall, Prunella vulgaris L. var. nana Clute is a resilient plant that does not require much maintenance. However, by following these disease and pest management practices, you can keep it healthy and thriving.
