Helmet flower is an semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial with showy red to purple flowers in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Unlike other 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. This perennial can be wood at the base of the plant.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 10 in. | Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
5 - Groundcover (<1 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Creeping; Dense; Horizontal; Prostrate
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Gray/Silver
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The shiny leaves are deeply veined. They reach a length and width of up to 1".
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The deep purple-pink flowers resemble snapdragons. Some of the flowering stems can be floppy when enough light is provided. A hooded flower with upper and lower lips.
Bloom time
Summer
Stem detail
Slender prostrate stems.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Turkey, Transcaucasus
Wildlife value
Bees are attracted to the flowers.
Attracts
Bees
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Colorful; Defines Paths; Easy to Grow
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Meadow; Near Septic; Patio; Pond; Pool/Hardscape; Slope/Bank; Walkways