Prunella Pagoda

Plant Size

• Prunella grandiflora grow six to 10 inches tall, and spread vigorously all season long, slowing down only during the hot summer months. The plant forms a dense mat about four feet wide as it follows its running roots along the ground. Pagoda's dense foliage and spikes of flowers makes it an excellent container plant near decks and patios. The plant may be cut back to keep it manageable. Pagoda naturalizes well but can become weedy when it is allowed to grow unchecked throughout the garden. Because of its dense, matted foliage, the plant can strangle more fragile plants.

Foliage

• The leaves of Pagoda are long and oval or lance-shaped. The dark green leaves grow densely and up to three inches long, setting the stage for the flower spikes that rise above the foliage. The leaves have some serration on the margins and are flat matte rather than glossy. Pagoda's foliage is unscented.

Flowers

• In late spring and early summer, Pagoda produces its namesake flowers on compact spikes that rise above the thick green foliage. A prolific bloomer, Pagoda slows down only if the heat becomes unbearable, but perks up again as outside temperatures become more moderate. Although bees and butterflies are attracted to Pagoda flowers, the blooms have no discernible scent.

Cultivation

• Pagoda grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. Start seeds indoors in late winter for transplanting the following spring, or start the seeds indoors in mid summer to transplant outdoors in the fall. Plant seeds directly into the garden in spring or fall. Seeds germinate in one to two weeks. Like all Prunella grandifloras, Pagoda likes acidic to neutral soil with average drainage. The plant prefers clay or loamy soils and needs extra moisture during hot, dry periods. In the hottest regions of its growing zone, Pagoda benefits from partial shade. The plant grows well beneath trees and shrubs, adding color to the landscape. In cooler regions, plant Pagoda in full sunlight for maximum bloom production and best color. If Pagoda becomes too thick or adventuresome, simply divide the plant and transplant each section to another part of the garden.