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Grace Ward Lithodora

Grace Ward Lithodora

LITHODORA diffusa 'Grace Ward'

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$10.99
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  • Perennial
  • Mature Spread: 6"-12"

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About this Plant

Grace Ward Lithodora (Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward') is one of the most beloved and enduring flowering groundcovers in the ornamental plant world, celebrated for its extraordinary, saturated gentian-blue trumpet flowers that rank among the most vivid and pure blues achievable in the garden. Dense, trailing stems covered in small, dark evergreen leaves are smothered in an abundant profusion of these jewel-like deep blue blooms throughout spring and into early summer, creating a carpet of color so intensely vivid that it stops visitors in their tracks. 'Grace Ward' is widely considered the finest and most free-flowering of all the blue Lithodora selections.

Cultivated from Professional Grade root systems, Grace Ward Lithodora is the quintessential plant for rock gardens, Pacific Northwest cottage gardens, raised bed edges, and terrace walls where the cascading bloom display can be fully appreciated. Like all Lithodora, it demands well-drained, acidic soil conditions to perform at its best, and rewards the right planting site with a floral display of rare, exceptional beauty. It pairs magnificently with the white-flowered 'Alba' selection, Erica, Pieris, compact Rhododendrons, and Corydalis for a sophisticated, layered acid-garden composition.

Why You'll Love It

  • Extraordinary Saturated Gentian-Blue Blooms: Deep, jewel-like gentian-blue five-petaled trumpet flowers in a color of remarkable purity and saturation — widely regarded as one of the finest and most vivid blues achievable among all flowering ornamental groundcovers.
  • Most Free-Flowering Lithodora Selection: 'Grace Ward' is celebrated among horticulturists as the most prolific and free-blooming of all blue Lithodora cultivars, producing an especially dense and abundant spring floral display.
  • Dense Evergreen Trailing Habit: Compact, tightly spreading stems of small dark green evergreen leaves form a weed-suppressing mat that cascades beautifully over rock ledges, wall edges, and raised bed rims with year-round structural appeal.
  • Rock Garden Icon: The defining flowering groundcover of the classic alpine and cottage rock garden — a plant with a long, distinguished garden history whose spring bloom display has thrilled gardeners for generations.
  • Acid-Garden Companion: Thrives alongside rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, Pieris, and other acid-loving woodland garden plants — a natural, harmonious companion in Pacific Northwest and woodland garden designs.

These 4" healthy live plants thrive in full sun to light part shade in well-draining, acidic to slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Acidic soil is essential — amend with peat, pine bark, or sulfur as needed if your native soil is neutral to alkaline. Water consistently until established, then maintain moderate, even moisture; avoid waterlogging. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6–9. Mature height: 4–6 inches; spread: 12–24 inches. Blooms spring to early summer. Trim lightly after the main bloom flush to keep the mat compact and tidy. Do not cut back hard into old wood, as Lithodora does not regenerate reliably from bare stems.

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