Lithodora Grace Ward Glandora prostrata 'Grace Ward'
ABOUT
The 'Grace Ward' Lithodora is an alluring evergreen groundcover known for its vibrantly colored flowers and lush foliage. Its leaves are narrow and small, with a rich green hue that provides a dense mat-like background. Over this backdrop, the 'Grace Ward' showcases its stunning deep blue, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom profusely. These blossoms are trumpet-like, drawing the eye and often attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The vivid blue of the flowers is particularly striking and can add a splash of color to any garden setting. The overall impression of this plant is one of a low-growing, carpeting green tapestry studded with jewel-toned blue floral accents that can brighten rockeries, borders, or be used as a charming groundcover.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Lithodora 'Grace Ward', Purple Gromwell 'Grace Ward', Grace Ward Lithodora
Common names
Lithodora prostrata 'Grace Ward', Lithospermum prostratum 'Grace Ward'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lithodora 'Grace Ward' does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it's generally advisable to avoid ingesting it, as it is not intended for human consumption and could potentially cause adverse reactions. If ingested, monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions and consult a medical professional if symptoms appear.
To pets
Lithodora 'Grace Ward' is also not specifically known for being toxic to pets, but since the complete toxicity profile is not well-documented, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting the plant. If a pet does consume Lithodora 'Grace Ward', watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and contact a veterinarian if any symptoms arise.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: 'Grace Ward' Lithodora is quite easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in suitable conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has a good level of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Ground Cover: It forms dense mats that can cover the ground, suppress weeds, and reduce soil erosion.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright blue flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long blooming season, typically from spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
- Evergreen: 'Grace Ward' Lithodora is evergreen, preserving its foliage year-round and providing continuous greenery.
- Winter Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Vivid Color: The intense blue flowers add striking color to garden beds, borders, and rock gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Glandora prostrata 'Grace Ward', commonly known as Lithodora, can be used for dyeing fabric or wool, as some of its components may provide color when treated properly.
- In eco-printing techniques, Lithodora leaves can be used to create beautiful patterns and prints on paper or textiles by using the natural pigments present in the leaves.
- It can be utilized as ground cover in miniature landscapes or fairy gardens for a touch of blue, providing a realistic and enchanting environment.
- Lithodora can serve as a natural mulch, its dense foliage and habit help to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture when planted closely.
- The vibrant blue flowers of Lithodora can be used in pressed flower crafts, such as bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Gardeners could use this plant in combination with light-colored stones or gravel in rock gardens to accentuate its striking blue flowers.
- Lithodora can be planted in hanging baskets or on retaining walls to create cascades of blue blooms that spill over the edge.
- In photographic art, the striking blue flowers may serve as a subject for macro photography, capturing the intricate details of each bloom.
- Gastronomically, while not a common practice, the flowers could potentially be used to garnish salads or desserts, assuming they are free from pesticides and not toxic.
- Aquascaping enthusiasts may use dried Lithodora branches to add texture and natural elements to aquarium layouts, after ensuring they are safe for aquatic life.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLithodora 'Grace Ward' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLithodora 'Grace Ward' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: Glandora prostrata 'Grace Ward', commonly known as Lithodora 'Grace Ward', often grows in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing the trait of persevering through hardships.
- Beauty: With its striking blue flowers, Lithodora 'Grace Ward' represents beauty and aesthetic appeal, suggesting the appreciation of natural loveliness.
- Grounding: As a ground cover plant, Lithodora 'Grace Ward' symbolizes stability and being grounded as it physically connects and spreads across the ground.
WaterThe Lithodora 'Grace Ward' prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water your Lithodora 'Grace Ward' deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water it once a week with about 1 gallon per plant, depending on climate conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, it may need watering as infrequently as once every two to three weeks. Always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering, as this plant is sensitive to root rot.
LightLithodora 'Grace Ward' thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, place Lithodora 'Grace Ward' in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in particularly hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of midday.
TemperatureLithodora 'Grace Ward' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures but performs best in moderate conditions. The ideal temperature range for Lithodora 'Grace Ward' is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 10°F, but it may require protection from frost. Hot temperatures above 90°F might stress the plant, so it should be situated where it can receive some afternoon shade if you live in a hot climate.
PruningPrune your Lithodora 'Grace Ward' to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Early spring, after the last frost, is the best time for pruning. Trim back about a third of the plant's size to help stimulate new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning once a year is typically adequate for maintaining a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLithodora 'Grace Ward' thrives best in a well-draining, gritty soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 5.5 and 7. A mix of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.
RepottingLithodora 'Grace Ward' does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Repotting should be done in spring or early summer.
Humidity & MistingLithodora 'Grace Ward' prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels typically found in home environments. Avoid placing it in excessively dry conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lithodora 'Grace Ward' near a sunny window and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when dry, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleGlandora prostrata 'Grace Ward', commonly known as Lithodora 'Grace Ward', starts its life cycle from seeds that germinate in favorable conditions; a well-draining soil with some humidity and warmth triggers the germination process. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with green foliage and start to establish a root system. As the plant matures, it enters its vegetative growth stage, where it forms a low, mat-like groundcover, characterized by its hairy, narrow leaves. Upon reaching maturity, typically within a couple of years, it enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing vivid blue, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds, which are then dispersed by various means, including wind and animals. In suitable climates, the Lithodora 'Grace Ward' may persist through the winter in a semi-evergreen state, resuming growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Lithodora 'Grace Ward', formerly known as Glandora prostrata 'Grace Ward', is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done during summer. To propagate, one would cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem from a healthy parent plant, ensuring that a few leaf nodes are included. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist but not overly wet. It's important to provide a warm environment and indirect light until roots have established, which may take several weeks. Once rooted, cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
