Lithodora diffusa Care Guide

Lithodora diffusa is a low-growing, evergreen perennial known for its brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Its spreading habit makes it a fantastic choice for rock gardens, borders, containers, and ground cover. With its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs, it is an excellent addition to any garden, providing vibrant color and year-round interest.

Planting and Positioning

• Sunlight:

  • Thrives in full sun for best flowering results.
  • Can tolerate partial shade, but blooms may be less abundant.

• Soil Requirements:

  • Prefers well-drained, acidic soil (pH between 4.5–6.5).
  • Does not tolerate heavy clay or poorly drained soil.
  • If soil is alkaline, add ericaceous compost or peat moss to improve conditions.

• Container Growing:

  • Suitable for pots and containers, but ensure good drainage.
  • Use an acidic, free-draining compost such as ericaceous potting mix.

• Ground Cover & Borders:

  • Perfect for rock gardens, slopes, and edges of flower beds.
  • Plant 30–40cm apart for a dense spreading carpet of blue flowers.

Watering, Feeding, and General Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Needs regular watering when newly planted to help roots establish.
  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering in dry periods.
  • Avoid overwatering, as Lithodora dislikes soggy soil and can suffer from root rot.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release, ericaceous fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • A mulch of pine needles or acidic compost in spring helps maintain soil acidity and retain moisture.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base in spring to protect roots and suppress weeds.

Pruning and Long-Term Care

• Pruning:

  • Requires minimal pruning but benefits from light trimming after flowering to maintain shape.
  • Remove any dead or leggy growth to promote fresh, compact growth.

• Overwintering:

  • Fully hardy in most regions, but may need protection in very cold winters.
  • If grown in pots, move to a sheltered spot to prevent root damage in severe frost.
  • Adding a layer of mulch or fleece around the base can offer extra protection.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally disease-resistant, but can be affected by root rot if soil is too wet.
  • Watch for aphids or spider mites, especially in warm, dry conditions. Use horticultural soap or neem oil if necessary.

With its stunning blue flowers, easy-care nature, and year-round evergreen foliage, Lithodora diffusa is a fantastic plant for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, and borders

• Size
  P12

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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