Selfheal Seeds (Prunella vulgaris)

With its vibrant purple blooms and compact habit, Selfheal thrives in a wide range of conditions - from wildflower lawns to cottage gardens. As its name suggests, Selfheal has a rich history in traditional herbal medicine and remains a favourite among pollinators, especially bees.

Key Features:

• Native British wildflower, ideal for naturalistic planting and biodiversity
• Low-growing, making it perfect for lawns, pathways, and underplanting
• Loved by pollinators, particularly bumblebees and solitary bees
• Long-flowering period from late spring through early autumn
• Hardy perennial returning each year with minimal care
• Approx. 800 seeds per 1g

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a low-growing, creeping perennial found in wildflower meadows, grassy verges, and ancient pastures across the UK. It forms neat clumps of ovate leaves and sends up spikes of vivid violet-purple flowers from May to September. Traditionally valued for its herbal uses, today it's prized for its ability to support native insects and thrive in various settings, from formal lawns to relaxed wildflower mixes.

This plant’s spreading habit makes it particularly useful in areas where a softer, natural look is desired without sacrificing hardiness. Its blooms are a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects, helping to enhance the health of your garden ecosystem. Selfheal grows well in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types, including poor or compacted soils.

Once established, it can be lightly mown or left to flower freely, depending on your desired aesthetic. It integrates seamlessly with other low-growing wildflowers like daisies, clover, and bird's-foot trefoil.

Sow Selfheal seeds in spring or autumn onto prepared, weed-free soil. For best results, mix the seeds with fine sand for even distribution and press gently into the surface, do not cover, as light aids germination. Water lightly and keep the soil moist during establishment. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.

Choose a location in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, Selfheal requires little maintenance and tolerates light mowing, making it suitable for wildflower lawns. It may spread slowly via creeping stems (stolons), forming a resilient mat over time.

For a more natural look, combine with grasses or other low-growing native species, and allow it to flower fully before mowing once or twice annually.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Selfheal is perfect for wildflower lawns, pollinator pathways, low meadows, garden borders, and natural play areas. Its long-lasting blooms are a vital nectar source for bees, hoverflies, and butterflies throughout the growing season. As a native species, it plays an important role in supporting the UK’s declining pollinator populations.

Its modest height and spreading habit also make it ideal for areas where taller wildflowers may not be suitable, such as between stepping stones, around orchard trees, or in community green spaces.

We offer a flat shipping rate of £5.99.

Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

We aim to ensure customer satisfaction with all products supplied. If you experience any issues with your order, please contact us at info@kentseeds.co.uk within 5 working days of the dispatch date, quoting your order number and a detailed description of the issue.

Read our full Delivery & Returns policy here.

Q1: Is Selfheal suitable for lawns?
A: Yes! Selfheal is one of the few native wildflowers that tolerates mowing. It's ideal for wildflower lawns and blends well with fine grasses.

Q2: When should I sow Selfheal seeds?
A: Spring (March–May) or autumn (August–October) are ideal times. Autumn sowing often results in stronger plants the following year.

Q3: Do I need to mow Selfheal?
A: Light mowing once or twice a year helps maintain a tidy look and encourages flowering. Avoid mowing during peak bloom if you want to support pollinators.

Q4: How tall does Selfheal grow?
A: Typically 5–30 cm tall. It spreads low to the ground, making it suitable for compact spaces and underplanting schemes.