About
Omphalodes nitida, the shining navelwort, is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen perennial producing glossy, lance-shaped, olive-green leaves and erect to arching, branching stems bearing small, clear-blue flowers from spring into summer. A charming and reliable plant for a shaded, moist, humus-rich border.
About the genus
Omphalodes are annuals, biennials and perennials with simple leaves and terminal racemes or cymes of blue or white, forget-me-not-like flowers. Grown in shaded or partly shaded, moist, humus-rich borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Chalk, Sand, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toIberian Peninsula
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Tolerates full sun if soil retains moisture.
PruningNot required
PropagationPropagate by division or seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free