Description
Omphalodes – Navelwort –
There are about 28 species of annuals, biennial, and perennial some which are evergreen or semi evergreen, in this genus. They occur in a wide range of habitats in Europe, Northern Afria, Asia and Mexico. They have clusters of simple leaves either basal tufts or arranged alternately on stems. In spring and summer, they produce blue or white flowers, similar to forget-me-nots (Myosotis) each with a short tube and 5 spreading lobes, usually in terminal racemes or cymes, sometime held singly. Most are shade loving, and used as a groundcover in a border, or rock or woodland garden. Use O. linifolia in an annual border or for cut flowers.
Most of the perennials thrive in moist, moderately fertile, humus rich soil in shade or partial shade. Carefully divide perennial in early spring.
Very prone to slugs and snails.
O. luciliae – This clump forming, semi evergreen perennial from Greece and Turkey grows 4″ tall and 6″ wide. From upright to prostrate stems it carries ovate to elliptic or oblong, pale gray blue, basal leaves, to 4″ long. Over a long period in summer it bears loose, terminal cymes of 3-15 clear light blue flowers, to 3/8″ across, often opening pink. May be difficult to establish.
Zones 7-9
