About
A low-growing, semi-prostrate, evergreen subshrub or perennial from rocky Mediterranean habitats with small, hairy, mid-green leaves and short racemes of small, deep blue, funnel-shaped flowers in spring. A choice Lithodora for a sunny, warm, well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
About the genus
Hottonia are submerged aquatic perennials with finely pinnatisect leaves and erect stems bearing whorls of primula-like, lilac or white flowers in a terminal racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic
HabitSubmerged
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationPlant directly in the margins, or in baskets in a pool of clear, still or very slow moving water in full sun. Mature plants can grow in up to 60cm of water. A good oxygenator. See pond plants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or by seed; plants sometimes produce resting buds that sink to the bottom to overwinter, then produce new growth in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to flase leaf-mining midge. Filamentous algae may smother foliage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free