Rosettes of crinkled, heart shaped leaves with intense blue blooms on reddish stems. The flowers are a food for honeybees and are produced in summer. Robust plants are drought resistant. Does best when situated in a rock garden or along stone or gravel paths. The dried leaves of Dracocephalum rupestre are used to make a refreshing and aromatic tea, sometimes referred to as Maojian tea. It is an established part of traditional Chinese medicine, where it is purported to contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and to treat conditions like headache, fever, and liver toxicity. While edible, large quantities of the stems and leaves may cause stomach upset, so moderation is advised. Grows to 8″ tall. Sun to part shade. Hardy to at least zone 4, but very particular about soil. These plants will not overwinter in wet soils. Drainage is key. Though technically perennial, literature suggests that they are short-lived and reluctant to self-sow. Collect seeds and start a few seedlings each year if you hope to keep this species in your garden for years to come. Photo courtesy of Jelitto.
Dracocephalum rupestre Rock Dragonhead
Description
Rosettes of crinkled, heart shaped leaves with intense blue blooms on reddish stems. The flowers are a food for honeybees and are produced in summer. Robust plants are drought resistant. Does best when situated in a rock garden or along stone or gravel paths. The dried leaves of Dracocephalum rupestre are used to make a refreshing and aromatic tea, sometimes referred to as Maojian tea. It is an established part of traditional Chinese medicine, where it is purported to contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and to treat conditions like headache, fever, and liver toxicity. While edible, large quantities of the stems and leaves may cause stomach upset, so moderation is advised. Grows to 8″ tall. Sun to part shade. Hardy to at least zone 4, but very particular about soil. These plants will not overwinter in wet soils. Drainage is key. Though technically perennial, literature suggests that they are short-lived and reluctant to self-sow. Collect seeds and start a few seedlings each year if you hope to keep this species in your garden for years to come. Photo courtesy of Jelitto.
