Lithodora diffusa 'GRACE WARD' lithodora

Lithodora is a low, ground-covering perennial which remains evergreen in mild winters of zones 5 and 6, and fully evergreen in zone 7. Its prostrate, spreading branches lie on the ground and overlap edges of elevated beds, patios, and pots.

Grace Ward is a variety with deep blue, campanulate, small flowers that appear in profusion from late April to early June, and sparsely throughout all summer. Leaves are narrowly linnear, short like rosemary, thick, deep green, and glossy. Prune it to a compact shape immediately after flowering. Strictly groundcovering.

This lithodora does best in acid soil unlike other varieties. It needs well-drained soil and full sun. It will look great in a rockery as well as an edge of a perennial border. It can take windy locations that tend to dry out in summer – its thick leaves absorb enough water that the plant can use during dry spells of summer. Hardiness varies with soil conditions but usually lies between -25°and -27°C (USDA zone 5b-6).

Last update 16-08-2012; 29-04-2014; 20-03-2017