Cappadocian navelwort 'Starry Eyes' Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes'

Water

Navelwort 'Starry Eyes' prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It is best to water it deeply, allowing water to reach the roots, using approximately one gallon of water per plant each time. During the growth period in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, while in the fall and winter, water less often as the plant goes into dormancy.

Light

Navelwort 'Starry Eyes' thrives in partial shade to full shade. It is best situated in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight or only morning sun, as intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. An ideal location would be under a canopy of trees or on the north side of a building where it will be protected from the harshest rays.

Temperature

Navelwort 'Starry Eyes' prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but frost can damage the plant. It's best to ensure it's not exposed to temperatures above 80°F for prolonged periods, as extreme heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Navelwort 'Starry Eyes' benefits from light pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant after flowering, usually in late spring or early summer, to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Deadheading, the process of removing faded flowers, can also be done periodically throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Navelwort, which is the common name for Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes', should be well-draining with a good amount of organic matter. A blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand can make a suitable mix. The ideal pH for Navelwort ranges from neutral to slightly acidic.

Repotting

Navelwort does not typically need frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container, which for many perennials can be every 2-3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Navelwort prefers moderate humidity conditions. It thrives well in average household humidity levels but can benefit from a bit more humidity if the air is particularly dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Navelwort in indirect light, water when topsoil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant Navelwort in part shade, keep soil moist but not soggy.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes', commonly known as Navelwort or Blue-eyed Mary, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in early spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedling develops into a rosette of leaves, establishing its root system in a partly shady location with well-draining soil. As the plant matures, it produces upright flowering stems with distinctive small blue flowers that have white centers, usually in late spring to early summer. After pollination, typically involving bees and other insects attracted by the flowers, the plant sets seed which is dispersed by wind or animal movement. Once the flowering and seeding season has concluded, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, becoming dormant during the winter months. However, as a perennial, Navelwort will regrow from its roots or self-sown seeds when favorable conditions return in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method to propagate Omphalodes cappadocica 'Starry Eyes', commonly known as Navelwort, is by seed. To successfully propagate Navelwort by seeds, one should sow them in pots or trays with moist seed-starting mix. The best time to do this is either in the fall or as soon as the seeds are ripe, if the climate permits. After sowing, the seeds need light to germinate, so they should be only lightly covered or pressed into the soil. The pots or trays should be kept under controlled conditions, ideally between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius), with consistent moisture but not waterlogged. Seedlings will emerge in a few weeks, and once they are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being moved to their final position in the garden.