Lithodora Crystal Blue (Gromwell)

Noted for its large flowers, Lithodora ‘Crystal Blue’ (Gromwell) is a vigorous, low-growing, evergreen shrub forming a mat of small, lance-shaped, dark green, hairy leaves. In spring and summer, the shrub is literally covered with abundant, sky-blue flowers, the largest of the genus. Compact and easy to grow, this plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. A choice groundcover making an unforgettable display week after week.

Noted for its large flowers, Lithodora 'Crystal Blue' (Gromwell) is a vigorous, low-growing, evergreen shrub forming a mat of small, lance-shaped, dark green, hairy leaves. In spring and summer, the shrub is literally covered with abundant, sky-blue flowers, the largest of the genus. Compact and easy to grow, this plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. A choice groundcover making an unforgettable display week after week.

  • Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm).
  • Easily grown in acidic, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Full sun is best in cool summer climates, but some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates.
  • Deer resistant and drought tolerant.
  • Great for beds and borders, slopes, as a groundcover, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or gravel and rock gardens. Good choice for containers too.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Prune lightly in late summer by trimming the new tip shoots back by about half, to encourage a dense habit. Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native to Southern and Western Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 8

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lithodora – Gromwells
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early)
Height 4"
– 6"
(10cm
– 15cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″ (75cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden