Product Description
Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'
formerly Lithospermum diffusum
Zone (5) 6 to 9, Evergreen (in some or all zones)
Full sun to partial shade in extremely hot areas
Plants reach 4 to 6 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide,
Sprawling up to 6-feet, this slightly mounded evergreen ground cover is not aggressively invasive.
Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' is a captivating evergreen shrub prized for its profusion of brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This low-growing, spreading plant is a fantastic addition to rock gardens, borders, and containers, where it can cascade over walls or spill over the edges.
- Flowers: Intense, deep blue, star-shaped flowers, about 1/2 inch wide, that cover the plant in spring and early summer, with sporadic blooms continuing into fall.
- Bloom Time: Spring and summer
- Foliage: Small, narrow, dark green leaves that form a dense mat. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
- Growth Habit: Mat-forming, with trailing stems that spread to 2-3 feet wide.
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Spread: 2-3 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (prefers full sun in cooler climates, afternoon shade in hot climates)
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic soil. Crucial for successful growth.
- Uses: Rock gardens, slopes, walls, containers, groundcover, underplanting for taller shrubs.
Benefits:
- Showy Blooms: The intense blue flowers create a stunning display in the spring and summer garden.
- Versatile: Adaptable to various garden settings, including rock gardens, borders, and containers.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness.
- Deer Resistant: Generally unpalatable to deer.
- Long-lived: Can thrive for many years with proper care.
Growing Tips:
- Planting: Choose a location with well-drained soil, as Lithodora is susceptible to root rot in wet conditions.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant.
- Fertilizing: Not generally required, but a light application of fertilizer in spring can promote growth.
- Pruning: Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Overwintering: In colder zones, a light layer of mulch can help protect the plant over winter.
Things to Note:
- Soil Drainage: Well-drained soil is essential for the health of this plant. Avoid planting in heavy clay or poorly drained areas.
- Sun Exposure: While it tolerates some shade, it flowers best in full sun.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, flowering groundcover with stunning blue blooms, Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' is an excellent choice. Its vibrant color and adaptability make it a standout performer in any garden.
Attributes: Border plants, Edging, Mass planting, Deer resistant.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
1 Review Hide Reviews Show Reviews
-
They arrived looking healthy
Nicely packed and shipped.
