Perennial
Florida Scrub Skullcap
Scutellaria arenicola
Varieties We Carry
StandardScutellaria arenicolaHelmetScutellaria arenicola
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$4.95
1 galFrom$7.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
About Florida Scrub Skullcap
Florida Sand Skullcap (Scutellaria arenicola) is a small native perennial found in sandy scrub and pine flatwoods, producing delicate two-lipped violet-blue flowers on slender stems. A Florida endemic, it is an excellent choice for natural garden plantings that support native bees. Starting at $4.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple, Blue
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Requires full sun to light part sun in well-drained sandy soil; at least 6 hours of direct sun daily is needed for best flowering. Suited to NE Florida's scrub and sandhill garden designs with open, exposed positions.
Water
Drought tolerant once established in sandy soil; minimal supplemental irrigation needed in NE Florida. Sensitive to overwatering and root rot — never plant in poorly drained or clay soils.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in dry, infertile, well-drained sandy soil matching its native scrub habitat. No fertilizer required; rich or amended soils favor competing weeds. Can spread by seed and rhizome, so site thoughtfully in mixed wildflower plantings.
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Common questions
Is Florida Scrub Skullcap a good plant for St. Augustine?
Florida Scrub Skullcap is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.