Lithodora diffusa Gold ‘n Sapphires (Gromwell)
Noted for its golden foliage, Lithodora diffusa ‘old n’ Sapphires’ (Gromwell) is a mat-forming evergreen shrub with trailing stems clothed in small, lance-shaped, golden, hairy leaves that remain attractive all summer. In spring and summer, this glowing shrub is studded with profuse, star-shaped, brilliant deep blue flowers which contrast nicely against the golden foliage. This plant is ideal when used as a groundcover on banks or between stepping stones. Great accent for hot, sunny rock gardens.
Noted for its golden foliage, Lithodora diffusa 'old n' Sapphires' (Gromwell) is a mat-forming evergreen shrub with trailing stems clothed in small, lance-shaped, golden, hairy leaves that remain attractive all summer. In spring and summer, this glowing shrub is studded with profuse, star-shaped, brilliant deep blue flowers which contrast nicely against the golden foliage. This plant is ideal when used as a groundcover on banks or between stepping stones. Great accent for hot, sunny rock gardens.
- Grows up to 4 in. tall (10 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 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
- Trim back after flowering. Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
- Native to Southern and Western Europe.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 7 |
|---|---|
| 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,Mid) |
| Height | 4" (10cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ (45cm) |
| 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 |