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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Lithodora diffusa ‘Grace Ward’

Grace Ward Lithodora

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Relatively drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)