Species olive-leaved gromwell
light blue, cup-shaped flowers with purple-gray sepals and green, oblong leaves with green stem

olive-leaved gromwell

Lithodora oleifolia

Olive-leaved gromwell (Lithodora oleifolia) is a hardy, low-growing perennial plant. It is native to the south-western United States, and features vibrantly colored, star-shaped flowers, 1–2.5 cm in size. The leaves are a silvery gray-green and form low mats. The plant thrives in dry climates and rocky soils, and is drought tolerant. This hardy cultivar is easy to maintain, and adds a burst of color to perennial gardens. It also enjoys a place in rock gardens or xeriscape landscaping. It blooms from late spring to summer. Its attractive flowers are followed by small, black fruits. This species is highly sought after for its beauty and practical adaptability.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Sky blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Olive-leaved gromwell (Lithodora oleifolia) is an easy-to-care-for, drought resistant, low-maintenance plant. For best results, it is important to provide this plant with the right amount and timing of water. Water olive-leaved gromwell when the top inch or 2 of soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, when the plant is actively growing, water it once a week. In spring and fall, water the plant once every 2 weeks. During winter, when the plant is dormant and not actively growing, allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. In addition, during the summer, it is important to provide additional water during hot dry spells. For healthy plants, it is important not to overwater or underwater. Always check the soil's moisture levels with your finger before watering and never allow it to become waterlogged or completely dry in between waterings.

sunlight

Olive-leaved gromwell (Lithodora oleifolia) does best in full sun to partial shade. Since this species is native to the Mediterranean region, it is adapted to a lot of sunshine and hot temperatures. If the plant is in an area with full sun, it should receive 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the summer months. In areas with partial sun, 4-5 hours of direct sunlight is ideal. In the winter months, olive-leaved gromwell will benefit from 2-3 hours of direct sunlight per day.

pruning

Olive-leaved gromwell (Lithodora oleifolia) should be pruned after blooming in the summer. Prune lightly to maintain a mounded appearance and remove dead or damaged foliage as needed. Cut off any leggy branches and trim the plant back to a preferred shape. Prune sparingly as excessive trimming can reduce blooming the following season. Larger, older plants may need pruning more heavily to encourage fresh, young growth.

Season

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

Lithodora oleifolia typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map