Lithodora

Summer blues to make you smile!

Botanical Name: Lithodora diffusa
Common Name: Lithodora
Family: Boraginaceae

Description: Lithodora is a perennial plant that is native to southern and western Europe. It forms a low, slightly mounded, woody mass that is about 6-12 inches high and 3-4 feet wide. The leaves are narrow evergreen and are 1/4-1 inch long. The foliage and stems are hairy. Beginning in late spring the plant is covered with pretty blue flowers, which are tubular and are 1/2 inch long. The types of plant most commonly seen are 'Heaven Blue' and 'Grace Ward'.

Cultivation: Lithodora grows in climate zones 5-7 and 14-17. It requires light shade in the hottest climates and needs moderate watering. It needs loose, well-drained, lime free soil. It can be used in rock gardens and can be used as ground cover on a small-scale basis. It is best suited to mild-summer climates.

Note: I wasn't aware of Lithodora until we built our home two years ago. Our neighborhood is on the bluffs just north of ten-mile river north in Fort Bragg. My yard has to deal with wind, salt air, deer and lots of gophers. I planted it on three sides of our house. It has thrived in our yard and has provided us with two years of pretty flowers and is a low maintenance plant that requires little water. In the two years, the gophers have only eaten two plants and the deer have left them alone, so far.