Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Lithodora diffusa ‘Grace Ward’
Grace Ward Lithodora
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Vivid cobalt-blue
- Foliage color
- Dark green, narrow leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Relatively drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators, particularly bees, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers
About this plant
Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward' produces masses of brilliant gentian-blue, star-shaped flowers from mid to late spring, with scattered reblooming often continuing into summer. Small, narrow, dark green leaves cover trailing stems to form a dense evergreen mat with a fine, softly textured appearance throughout the year. The abundant blooms nearly blanket the foliage during peak flowering, creating a vivid display that attracts bees and other pollinators while providing lasting ornamental appeal.
Native to the mountainous regions of southwestern Europe, this cultivated selection was chosen for its abundant flowering and attractive evergreen habit. It is well suited to rock gardens, slopes, retaining walls, borders, and containers, where its cascading growth, evergreen foliage, and brilliant blue flowers add texture and long-lasting seasonal color.
Works well in
Rocks Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Slopes & Banks · Borders
Companion plants
Thymes · Heathers · Salvias · Poppies · Armeria · Penstemons
Design tip
Plant this evergreen groundcover where its brilliant blue flowers can cascade over rocks, retaining walls, or sunny slopes. Pair it with soft silver foliage, upright flowering companions, and contrasting textures to create bold color contrasts and a naturally flowing composition.
