Heavenly Blue
Litodora
Glandora diffuse
Scientific Classification
Class
Equisetopsida
Division
Angiospermae
Family
Boraginaceae
Order
Boraginales
Genus
Lithodora
Species
widespread
Main informations
Description
The lithodora is a ground cover plant of great ornamental effect both for the colour of its flowers, a deep blue reminiscent of the gentian found in nature, and for its high rusticity that allows it to decorate and cover the area of flowerbeds and gardens, also thanks to its adaptability to different exposure situations, from half-shade to full sun.
Varietal description
Perennial plant with a bright blue flowering in spring. Flowering is not prolonged if exposed to high temperatures. Drought tolerant, must always have moist soil.
Origin and History
curiosity and special features
The recent botanical classification is Glandora diffusa, whose name means 'acorn', probably referring to the presence of tiny glands on its leaves. The name of the species'diffusa', on the other hand, indicates its ground cover habit, which is very welcome in the landscaping of flower beds and gardens.
Origin and Diffusion
It is native to Spain, but can also be found wild in Italy, southern France and Portugal.
Key Features
Leaf
The leaves are needle-shaped.
Leaf color
The solid-coloured leaves are in perfect colour harmony with the shade of the flowers.
Plant height
The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 0.25 m, making it ideal for creating dense covers similar to soft cushions studded with small flowers.
Lifespan
Perennial evergreen herb.
Suggested planting locations
It is used to decorate flower beds, balconies, tubs.
Stem/stem
The herbaceous stem develops little in height, providing a pleasant compact appearance to the whole; the variety has no thorns.
Flower
The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.
Growth
Compact growing variety.
Plant habit
The bearing is globular.
branching
Branching is abundant, allowing complete coverage of the flowerbed or space in which the plant is placed.
Conditions required
pH
The ideal pH required is rather acidic, between 5.5 and 6.0.
soil preparation
Before transplanting into the bed, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky stones, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the coarsest clods to obtain greater softness. Finally, add professional substrate for flowering plants to the surface to a height of about 5/10 cm and carefully level out.
Read more on the Joyflo blogsun exposure
Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.
Ideal climate and temperature
The ideal temperature is between 15 and 22 °C. It prefers a cool climate.
Use
It is mainly used in:
Outdoor ornamental
Hardiness
Variety of medium hardiness.
Soil/medium
The ideal substrate is brown and blond peat with a small percentage of perlite to promote drainage and optimum root development. For cultivation in a bed, the soil should be of medium texture and well draining.
Maintenance
It can be described as a fairly easy plant to grow.
cultivation tips
In order to achieve the best development, consider the following cultivation guidelines:
Balanced fertilisation Always keep the substrate moist Prefers cool climate
plant diseases and protection
planting
In order to achieve a balanced development and at the same time a good decorative effect in the flower bed, an average density of 10 plants/square metre is recommended.
Reproduction/Propagation
It can be propagated by taking apical cuttings.
Irrigation
Use rainwater or well water, preferably slightly acidic, keeping the substrate or soil moist at all times but avoiding saturated conditions with waterlogging. Prevent water stress from dryness.
Read more on the Joyflo blogFertilization
Use a special fertiliser for flowering and ornamental plants, rich in nitrogen and potassium, to promote the development of both vegetation and flowers as well as to stimulate the intensity of leaf and flower colouration. Start fertilising 2-3 weeks after transplanting, during the spring-summer period.
Read more on the Joyflo blogEdibility and Toxicity
Edibility for humans
Non-edible.
Expert's advice
advise 1
Exposing the plant to full sun greatly reduces the duration of the flowers. Never let the soil loaf dry out otherwise there is a risk that the plant will never recover.
Profile curated by Walter Zoccarato.
