Overview

Moltkia is a bushy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Moltkia, part of the Boraginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Moltkia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, coastal, gravel garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.

About

Moltkia is a genus in the Boraginaceae family that includes both evergreen and deciduous subshrubs and perennials. These bushy, clump-forming plants have simple, lanceolate or linear foliage and produce funnel-shaped or tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or yellow during late spring and early summer. They thrive in full sun with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for a variety of garden settings, Moltkia is hardy to UK zone H4 and can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Moltkia

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Moltkia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy, Clump-forming
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Moltkia

Propagation
Seed, Softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Moltkia?

Moltkia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Moltkia need?

Moltkia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Moltkia hardy in the UK?

Moltkia has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Moltkia?

Seed, Softwood cuttings.

More in the Moltkia genus

Browse all Moltkia