| Very popular in Europe, Prunella or Selfheal is just beginning to come into its own in this country. A hardy perennial that flowers in spring and fall in warm climates, spring through fall farther north (it rests in the hottest summer weather), it spreads vigorously and makes a fine groundcover as well as container choice. Give it a try this season with the super-compact, long-blooming Freelander Mix. These blooms are deep violet, rich rosy-lilac, or pure white, arising well above the long, tongue-shaped green foliage. Very attractive to butterflies and other beneficial garden insects, they are arise in clusters 1 3/4 inches across, long-lasting and lovely. Freelander Mix makes a fine edging for the herb or vegetable garden as well as the perennial border, its colors and insect-attracting abilities adding both usefulness and beauty to the garden. In summer the blooms cease during the hottest weeks, then resume when the temperatures drop a bit. The common name "Selfheal" comes from the fact that the foliage of this plant was widely used as a home remedy to stop bleeding; in the Middle Ages, knights always carried it into battle. (Useful to know if you're the type of person, like me, who is always getting scraped in the garden!) Freelander Mix is quite frost-resistant, and thrives in a wide variety of soils and light exposures. Very easy to sow, it is ready to transplant just 6 weeks after sprouting, and may be started either in late winter for spring transplant, or in mid- to late summer for fall transplant. It blooms the first year from seed. Hardy, dependable, and free-flowering, it is an exceptional groundcover you should not miss! Zones 4-8. Pkt is 50 seeds. |
