Description
Lithodora –
There are about 7 species of dwarf, low growing, spreading or upright, evergreen shrubs and subshrubs in this genus. They occur in scrub, thickets, and woodland margins, and mountains, from Southwestern Europe to Southern Greece, Turkey, and Algeria. They are grown for their 5 lobed, funnel shaped, blue or white flowers, held in leafy, terminal cymes mainly in summer. The leaves are deep green and linear, lance shaped, elliptic, or obovate, and hairy. The hardier species are ideal for an open position in a rock garden or raised bed.
Grow in well drained, ideally alkaline to neutral soil, in full sun.
Prone to aphids and spider mites.
L. diffusa ‘Heavenly Blue’ – Lithospermum diffusum – This prostrate, spreading, many branched, evergreen shrub grows 4-6″ tall and at least 24″ wide. It produces elliptic to narrowly oblong, deep green leaves, to 1 ½” long, hairy above and beneath.. In late spring and summer, deep azure-blue flowers, ½” across, are held in terminal cymes. It is intolerant of lime and needs acidic, humus rich soil.
Zones 8-15
