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Lithodora diffusa [ li - tho - do - ra ] belong to the Boraginaceae family of flowering flora and is native to the southwest region of Europe , include southerly Greece , Algeria and Turkey , and Northwestern France .
The Grecian word lithodora literally translates to “ Isidor Feinstein Stone gift , ” referring to the jolty nature of the plant .
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Other usual names include :
Botanical names of the lithodora are :
Also from the Boraginaceae home :
Related : How Do You Care for Echiums ?
Lithodora Care
Size and Growth
The lithodora is describe as a low - grow , evergreen shrub with puritanic and white bloom .
The Heavenly Blue variety is very popular for its true gamey flower colors and foliage colour .
The flush of beautifulblue gentiancolored flowers is a spate to see . It grows to a tiptop of 6″ to 12 ” inches , but a single plant may spread over an area of 24″ to 48 ” inches all-inclusive .
Flowering and Fragrance
The bloom clip of Lithodora bloom is from early spring or late springiness to early or later summertime , through May and August , with white and recondite blue flowers with reddish - purple veins .
The showy flowers are tiny , with five petal , and are tube - like .
There is also some sporadic blooming during the fall growing time of year .
The branches are woody and prostrate with thick coverage of small , minute hairy leaves , which are at most 1 ” inch long with a dreary green color on top and a grey - green hue below .
The dark green leaves and halt are “ haired ” on this perennial and retain its folio even through the winter months .
Light and Temperature
To bloom the right way , the Lithodora plant life requires fond sun to full sun in cool climate region and partial spook in hot region , peculiarly during the hot part of the day .
In hot climate , this plant life will grow well in the afternoon nuance .
Moreover , it prefer a Mediterranean - ish clime and does n’t expand in hot , humid regions .
Lithodora grows in a USDA plant life hardiness geographical zone of 6 to 8 , ready it double-dyed for garden .
During wintertime month , apply a thick layer of mulch to insulate the plant ’s root bollock and protect them from cold winter temperature .
Water Needs and Feeding
This garden plant is fairly low maintenance and does n’t demand frequent tearing . However , it is of import to see to it the dirt does not dry out .
A thick winter mulch should be give to protect plant and advance healthy growth .
Do not over - fertilize ! If leaves get lose their rich green color , implement an acidulous plant food on the shrub in other spring or late winter . Do n’t forget to follow the label focal point .
Also , avoid using granular fertilizer , especially near the plant crown and foliage , as they can cause fertiliser burns .
Soil and Transplanting
It grows secure in acidulous , well - drained soil but may also thrive in moist , fertile , humusy soil . commemorate that this flora may grow in sandy dirt but can not tolerate clay soil .
Although the acidulent dirt should be well - drained , it should be never completely dry out out .
It spring up best as a earth cover on slopes or in conjure seam .
It ’s also recommended to mulch your lithodora plant to keep on soil moisture and dirt temperature .
link : Soil for Raised Beds .
Grooming and Maintenance
The centre of the leaves may start browning after the flower blossom . So you must cut back the plant after the flowering period . This will also facilitate keep the lithodora in the desired size .
Removing undesirable tall or leggy growth is also a must to make a more neat appearance .
what is more , too much shade and honest-to-god years may make the development of the Lithodora diffusa more “ open . ”
In either of these case , cut the plant to foreclose overspreading and to get disembarrass of the decaying leaf to further healthy works maturation .
The industrial plant tends to unfold and may need to be pruned on a regular basis to prevent it from spreading too far , damaging other plant life , or crossing its assigned bounds .
How to Propagate Lithodora
Lithodora plant life can be propagated by semi - hardwood press cutting or seeds .
Here ’s what you need to do to propagate by semi - hardwood cut .
Lithodora Pest Or Diseases
Lithodora is n’t likely to suffer from insect or disease problems .
The principal affair to watch out for isaphids ( sap - sucking insects ) ; a major sign of your shrubs being affected by aphid is if the leaves are covered in sap .
Another estimable thing is this works is deer tolerant .
However , watch out for solution decomposition , which can set on the plant ’s base , make stunted growth and yellow foliage . Overwatering could cause this problem .
Another disease to look out for is bacterial leaf spots , which are broad , semitransparent touch with a yellowing edge .
If you suspect that you have infected plant life in your garden , it ’s best to hit them to prevent the spread of infestation or disease .
Is This Plant Toxic Or Poisonous?
The industrial plant is report to be non - toxic for all animals and hoi polloi and is idealistic for any garden , including in a house with favourite and small children .
Is This Plant Invasive?
Unless it is growing among wildflowers and grass , lithodora may spread out far , damage other plants in the unconscious process .
It is broadly speaking grown on slopes to provide grown cover and should not be planted with other flowers or plants .
Suggested Lithodora Uses
Often , the lithodora is planted for artistic purposes and look nifty in rock garden . It makes an excellent option for window box or containers .
For your landscape design , place your lithodora in front of taller plants for optimal insurance coverage .
cervid - resistive Lithodora is also frequently used as a ground cover and for erosion control .
Moreover , this repeated works prefers rocky beds and is ideal for grace slopes , banks , etc .
