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. oleifolia – Lithospermum oleifolium – This semi upright, loosely branched, suckering, evergreen shrub from Eastern Pyrenees grows 6-18″ tall and 3′ feet wide. It produces oval, dull, dark green leaves, ½” long, silky hairy beneath. In early summer it bears loose, terminal cymes of 3-7 funnel shaped, light blue flowers, to 3/8″ across, opening from pink tinted buds.
Zones 6-8
