Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes'

Starry Eyes Creeping Navelwort

Family: Boraginaceae
Height: 8 to 12 in
Width: 18 to 24 in
Flower color: Bright blue flowers with distinct white margins and a pale central eye
Foliage color: Medium to deep green, softly hairy, heart-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate, prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low, remove spent flower stems after blooming and divide clumps if spread becomes excessive
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Bees, early-season pollinators

About this plant

Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes' forms a spreading mat of softly textured, mid-green leaves that create a lush groundcover in spring. Delicate, five-petaled flowers appear in clear sky blue, each accented by a crisp white edge that gives the blooms a star-like appearance. The blossoms are held just above the foliage, creating a light, airy display.

Blooming in mid to late spring, this cultivar originates from selections of a species native to woodland regions of Turkey. It is well suited to shaded borders, woodland gardens, and beneath deciduous shrubs, where it weaves gently among spring bulbs and emerging perennials.

Works well in

Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Pollinator Gardens · Borders

Companion plants

Primroses · Skimmia · Trilliums · Fuchsias · Hellebores · Ferns

Design tip

Plant broad drifts beneath deciduous trees where the blue flowers can weave naturally through emerging spring growth. Layer evergreen shrubs, woodland perennials, and contrasting foliage textures to create a luminous planting with graceful repetition, depth, and seasonal continuity.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.