About

A compact rhizomatous perennial to 20cm tall, with finely hairy, ovate, evergreen leaves and loose racemes of vivid blue flowers 7mm wide in spring.

About the genus

Omphalodes can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with simple leaves and terminal racemes or cymes of blue or white flowers resembling those of Myosotis (forget-me-not)

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, moist soil enriched with humus in partial shade
PruningCut down after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in spring. Propagate by division in early spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free