This time we will talk about a species from our area. This is Lithodora diffusa. Species belonging to the Boraginaceae family, native to Southern Europe, found from sea level up to 2000 meters altitude, in sunny, dry and very low nitrogen areas.
It is a procumbent perennial plant, about 10/15 centimeters high by 60 wide. Stems slightly covered by hairiness. Its leaves are linear to oblong elliptical in shape of a dark green color.
Lithodora diffusa flowers between the months of April to July, with flowers arranged in cymose and pentamerous inflorescences of a very intense blue color.
Image of Lithodora diffusa ; Source: © Guillem Morral
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 9, with an average minimum annual temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing resistance to light frosts.
Lithodora is drought tolerant. It only requires support watering during the 10-12 weeks after planting; once well rooted it does not require any watering (except those planted in pots).
It grows well in full light, promoting very spectacular blooms, although it tolerates partial shade. Plant available at Sala Graupera, very suitable for sustainable gardens, given its minimal maintenance and requirements.
Image of Lithodora diffusa ; Source: www.havlis.cz
It is recommended to do a light pruning just after summer, in autumn. In this way we will guarantee abundant flowering in spring, and we will maintain a young plant for much longer.
It develops well in dry soils rich in bases; pH 5.5 - 8. It is an indicator plant of alkaline and low nitrogen soils. It requires well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogging. The application of covering materials is interesting, whether organic (bark) or inorganic (gravels or volcanic soils), thus avoiding water loss by evaporation, the proliferation of weeds and a cooler soil in summer that will give the roots a better comfort zone.
Image of Lithodora diffusa ; Source: www.mygarden.org
Interesting its application in aromatic plant planters, (shrub groups, margins, rockeries), it is also suitable for its application as a slope fixer or in ground covers.
Given its creeping habit as well as other characteristics, Lithodora diffusa is closely complementary, and can also be an alternative, to Rosmarinus officinalis 'Boule'.