Lithodora diffusa Grace Ward (Gromwell)
Vigorous and popular, award-winning Lithodora diffusa ‘Grace Ward’ (Gromwell) is a mat-forming evergreen shrub with trailing stems clothed in small, lance-shaped, dark green, hairy leaves. In spring and summer, it is studded with profuse, star-shaped, brilliant deep blue flowers held in terminal clusters. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. A choice groundcover making an unforgettable display week after week.
Vigorous and popular, award-winning Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' (Gromwell) is a mat-forming evergreen shrub with trailing stems clothed in small, lance-shaped, dark green, hairy leaves. In spring and summer, it is studded with profuse, star-shaped, brilliant deep blue flowers held in terminal clusters. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and cascading over retaining walls. A choice groundcover making an unforgettable display week after week.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 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
- 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 | 6 – 8 |
|---|---|
| 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 (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
| Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ – 36″ (60cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer |
| 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 |