Lithodora 'Grace Ward' Gromwell, an evergreen perennial shrub, is a sought-after cultivar renowned as a mat-forming ground cover. The trailing stems are adorned with small, hairy lance-shaped dark green leaves and boast terminal clusters of small, starry true deep blue flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. These nectar and pollen-rich flowers support all pollinators but are especially alluring to butterflies.
As a Lithodora diffusa, commonly known as lithodora or gromwell, 'Grace Ward' exhibits a prostrate habit and gradually spreads, creating an expansive ground cover. While it stands out as a great specimen or accent, its true beauty is unveiled when clustered or massed in beds and borders. Resilient enough to combat erosion on slopes and banks, it also adds an elegant touch to containers and rock retaining walls, gracefully cascading over the edges. Lithodora is a natural fit for butterfly gardens, rock gardens, woodland margins, and various landscapes.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in Mediterranean-type climates, favoring sunny to partly sunny locations with humusy, moist, fertile, well-draining soils featuring an acidic pH. It can endure full sun in cooler summer climates and tolerate more shade in extremely hot areas, although it may face challenges in the hot, humid climates of the deep South. 'Grace Ward' is virtually impervious to diseases and pests, including deer, ensuring a resilient and vibrant addition to your garden.
