Skullcap pontica

Turkish Skullcap. This unique skullcap has a very low growing habit with rounded downy green leaves which form a 6 inch high mound and unusual reddish purple flowers blooming in thick profusions most of the summer. Great border plant, which prefers rocky full sun conditions. Aerial parts of the plant have been used traditionally as a nervine tea. Hardy perennial from NE Anatolia, Turkey.

Helmet flower is an semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial with showy red to purple flowers in the Lamiaceae (mint) family.  Unlike others in this family, Helmet flower has no distinguishable scent.  A portion of its scientific name is derived from the Latin word scutella.  This refers to the small dish like fruiting bodies that remain when the flowers fade.  Its common name Helmet flower is derived from the bottom calyx, which resembles a small medieval helmet.

The lowest growing skullcap, it is often used as a ground cover, particularly in a rock garden, this plant forms a prostrate mat of small, rounded leaves.  Also used on slopes or banks.

Although full sun is the recommended planting site, a location with some shade is also acceptable.  Too much shade can cause the flowering stems to become floppy.  The flowers are along one side of the stem.

Hardiness zones 4-8.