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

lithodora

Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'

Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' is a delicate yet striking plant native to the Mediterranean. It features small, tubular, blue flowers clustered along slender stems that form a mound-like shape. This evergreen subshrub has small, spoon-shaped, silver-green foliage that looks glossy due to its fine hairs. It is often used as a ground cover plant in flower beds or as a border edging around rocks or other low-lying plants. Due to its low growing habit, 'Grace Ward' can be planted at the edge of paths and walkways, creating a soft textural border. It prefers full sun and is hardy, easy to care for, and drought tolerant.

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:

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

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward') should receive regular watering during its active growing period. Water the plant when the soil surface appears dry to the touch and the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the soil is dry. Water deeply, until the water reaches the bottom of the pot, and allow the water to freely drain from the pot. In the hotter months of summer, it may be necessary to water as frequently as every other day, but in cooler months, the plants may only need to be watered once a week or less. In winter, the plant may require minimal amount of water, and should only be watered when the soil appears dry.

sunlight

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward') thrives best in an area with full sun exposure. This means the plant will ideally receive sunlight for around 6 or more hours each day, with at least some sun during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Partial shade can be tolerated, with limited foliage burn possible if the sunlight is not too intense. It’s best to avoid deep shade as this can prevent flowering. During the summer months, plants may benefit from a bit of afternoon shade (around 4pm) to protect against the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward') is best pruned once or twice a year. Prune out any dead, diseased, or damaged branches after new growth has occurred in the spring. Thinning can also be done at this time to promote healthier plant growth. The plant should also be lightly pruned after it blooms in the summer, to help clear away faded blooms and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Take out the longest stems, leaving only those that bloom in clusters, and then shape the remaining branches. Don’t prune too heavily or you will reduce flowering in the following year. Keep in mind that too much pruning can ruin the shape of the plant and lead to leggy, sparse growth.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' is in July and August.

Hardiness Map