Species lithodora
vibrant blue, trumpet-shaped flowers with dense, green leaves

lithodora

Lithodora diffusa

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa) is a bushy, evergreen, perennial shrub with violet-blue flowers. It is a great choice for rock gardens and grows best in full sun with well-drained, acidic, sandy soil. It grows up to 10–15 cm tall, and easily withstands windy conditions. Its evergreen foliage forms a beautiful mat of tiny round leaves. It is a great plant for borders and beds, attracting butterflies and bees with its bright, star-shaped blooms which can appear from late spring to early summer. Low maintenance, frost resistant and drought tolerant, Lithodora is a reliable and colourful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Blue Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

black Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa) regularly to keep the soil evenly moist to the touch, but never soggy. Water it once a week during dry periods and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer months, water heavy and deep when it needs it, but avoid over-watering. During winter months water only when the soil appears dry.

sunlight

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa) is a plant species that requires plenty of sunlight in order to thrive. The best time to give this plant the optimal amount of light is between the early morning hours of 7 am to 11 am. During that period, the sun's rays hit the plant with maximum intensity, which helps facilitate better photosynthesis. Additionally, Lithodora diffusa can also tolerate 4 to 6 hours of full sun during the aftrenoon, meaning that it can still get enough light if placed in a slightly more shaded area than preferred. It is important to keep in mind, however, that too much sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and can scorch its vivid blue blossoms.

pruning

Lithodora plants (Lithodora diffusa) should be pruned back each year after they bloom. Pruning should remove any spindly or dead branches, as well as any dead or drying flowers. Pruning should take place in late spring or early summer, until the plant is controlled and shaped as desired. The stems should be cut back to within 2 - 3 buds from the base of the plant – this will encourage new growth and more blooms. On established plants, it is often necessary to cut back close to the main stem. If a desired shape is not achieved in 1 year then further pruning can take place each year until the right shape is achieved.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Lithodora diffusa typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Lithodora diffusa typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Lithodora diffusa is typically harvested in the months of June, July, and August.

Hardiness Map