Lithodora Lithodora zahnii 'Azure-ness'
ABOUT
Lithodora 'Azure-ness' is a flowering evergreen plant known for its striking blue colors. The foliage is comprised of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are lush and green, setting up a beautiful contrast against the blooms. The flowers themselves are the most notable feature with their deep azure blue hue. They are funnel-shaped and often have a delicate, lighter blue or white center that creates an eye-catching effect. These flowers are densely packed along the stems, offering a vibrant display that can easily become the focal point of a garden arrangement. The evergreen leaves persist year-round, providing a constant backdrop of greenery against which the seasonal blossoming of the azure flowers stands out even more prominently.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Azure-ness Lithodora
Common names
Lithodora zahnii 'Azure-ness'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lithodora 'Azure-ness' is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting any parts of ornamental plants as they are not typically tested for human consumption, and individual reactions can vary. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, seek medical advice immediately.
To pets
Lithodora 'Azure-ness' is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets, such as dogs and cats. Still, ingestion of plant material by pets should be avoided as a general safety precaution, since the specific effects on pets may not be well-documented. If you observe any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian as a precaution. Symptoms of general plant toxicity in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in behavior.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Lithodora 'Azure-ness' produces flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Low maintenance: This plant is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Lithodora 'Azure-ness' can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Ornamental value: With its vibrant blue flowers, the plant offers high ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Evergreen: As an evergreen plant, Lithodora 'Azure-ness' provides year-round color and texture in the garden.
- Rock gardens: It is well-suited for rock gardens due to its ability to grow in well-drained, gravelly soil and its low-growing nature.
- Border edges: The plant's compact form makes it ideal for border edges, pathways, or as a front-of-the-border feature.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lithodora azure-ness can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a subtle blue or violet hue depending on the mordant used.
- Pressed Lithodora azure-ness flowers can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding a touch of color and originality to stationery.
- This plant's ground cover potential allows it to be used in garden design to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
- The vibrant blue flowers can be used to create an eye-catching floral display when floated in bowls of water for table centerpieces.
- Dried Lithodora azure-ness can be included in potpourri mixes, contributing to the visual aspect though it doesn't have a strong fragrance.
- As an edging plant, Lithodora azure-ness can define the lines of garden paths or property boundaries with its contrasting foliage and flowers.
- Its trailing habit makes it an attractive plant for hanging baskets, where the blue flowers can be viewed from below.
- Garden hobbyists use Lithodora azure-ness in fairy gardens due to its small scale and vibrant color, which adds whimsy and charm.
- The plant can be grown in containers on patios or balconies where garden space is limited, providing vibrant color in small areas.
- During blooming season, Lithodora azure-ness can serve as a photography subject for nature photographers, especially for macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lithodora is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Lithodora is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Lithodora zahnii 'Azure-ness', commonly known as Lithodora, typically grows in rocky, infertile soils, symbolizing the ability to thrive in challenging conditions and overcome adversity.
- Perseverance: With its evergreen nature and determination to spread, the Lithodora represents the trait of perseverance, showcasing the plant's capacity to persist and expand despite obstacles.
- Purity: The bright blue flowers of the Lithodora may be seen as a symbol of purity and cleanliness, reflecting the clear and unblemished color of the sky.
- Hope: The vibrant blue blooms that appear in spring can symbolize hope and optimism for the future, as the plant emerges from the dormancy of winter to flower anew.
WaterLithodora 'Azure-ness' prefers well-drained soil and should not be overwatered. It's best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this could mean watering once every week during active growth periods in spring and summer, but always check the soil moisture level first. During the cooler seasons, reduce the frequency to once every two to three weeks, as the plant's water requirements will decrease. Each watering session should provide enough water to moisten the soil without causing standing water; roughly, this could be up to one gallon for an established plant, depending on the soil and environmental conditions.
LightLithodora 'Azure-ness' thrives in full sun to part shade conditions, with a preference for bright, direct light to encourage full and vibrant blooms. Placing the plant in an area where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day is ideal. However, it's important to protect the plant from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions, to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureLithodora 'Azure-ness' can tolerate temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a temperate range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. The plant may struggle in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if it is not well-acclimated or protected from the strongest afternoon sun. These temperature preferences emphasize the plant's suitability to moderate climates without extreme heat or cold.
PruningPruning Lithodora 'Azure-ness' is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and encourage denser growth. It's most effective to prune after the blooming season, typically late spring or early summer, by trimming back spent flowers and any overgrown stems. Cutting back about a third of the plant's growth every year will help rejuvenate it and stimulate new blooms for the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLithodora prefers acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A well-draining potting mix with added peat moss and coarse sand or perlite is ideal for the dense carpet shrub, commonly known as Lithodora.
RepottingLithodora, or dense carpet shrub, generally requires repotting every two to three years, or when it's seen outgrowing its current pot.
Humidity & MistingLithodora, known as dense carpet shrub, thrives in average household humidity levels without requiring any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lithodora in a bright spot with some direct sun indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Lithodora outdoors in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-8 USDA.
Life cycleLithodora 'Azure-ness', also known as Lithodora diffusa 'Azure-ness', begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in late spring or early summer, requiring well-drained soil and a sunny location to thrive. The seedlings quickly establish themselves, developing into compact, evergreen shrubs with narrow, dark green leaves. During its growth stage, the plant spreads out to create a mat-forming ground cover, which typically happens in its second year. Flower buds develop in early spring, opening into brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom prolifically from late spring to early summer and attract pollinators. After the blooming period, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth where it continues to expand and may need occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage denser foliage. In the autumn and winter, the plant remains relatively dormant, conserving energy and requiring minimal care until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method for propagating Lithodora diffusa 'Azure-ness', commonly referred to as Lithodora 'Azure-ness', is through semi-hardwood cuttings, which is typically done in late summer. To propagate by this method, a gardener will select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) section. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that the leafless part is buried while the remaining leaves are above the soil. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm environment but out of direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Lithodora 'Azure-ness' plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting out.
