The Lithodora Guide: Tips and Tricks for Healthy Growth and Maintenance

Debra LaGattuta is an expert in gardening, having served as a Master Gardener for over 30 years. She has extensive knowledge in perennial and flowering plants, as well as raised bed vegetable gardening and container gardening. Her contributions to the community are commendable, as she is a key member of Plant-A-Row, a program that donates organically-grown vegetables to food banks. Additionally, Debra is part of The Spruce Garden Review Board. To find out more about this board, visit The Spruce’s website.

Lithodora, a genus of small flowering plants, derives its common name from the most popular species, Lithodora diffusa. It is an ideal groundcover for pathways, flower borders, and rock gardens, and can also thrive in window boxes or containers. This sturdy plant, best planted in spring, bears numerous tiny, brightly blue, star-shaped blooms from late spring to mid to late summer, with blooms becoming sporadic towards the end of the season. It grows densely, and its dark-green leaves remain evergreen year-round in warmer climates. Lithodora is a perennial herbaceous plant that can spread up to 24 to 36 inches wide, growing modest heights of six to ten inches. With full sun to partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil, this plant is easy to maintain and has good resistance to disease. It also attracts butterflies, making it an excellent option for pollinator gardens.

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Lithodora is a versatile plant that can grow in full sun or partial shade. To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to provide afternoon shade in hot climates and protect from direct sunlight and extreme winds until the plant is established. Lithodora thrives in moderately rich, well-drained, acidic soil, preferably sand, and does not tolerate heavy clay soil.

Watering Lithodora is essential to encourage new roots to grow down deeply. It is recommended to water newly planted Lithodora thoroughly at least once a week and ensure that the soil remains damp about one inch below the surface. Overwatering could cause root rot, so it’s important not to let the soil become bone dry or soggy. One inch of water per week should suffice.

Lithodora usually does not require fertilizer, but if the leaves turn pale green-yellow, which indicates nutrient deficiency, or if the soil pH is too alkaline, use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants like rhododendron and azalea. Avoid using granular fertilizers near the plant crown and foliage as these may cause fertilizer burn. Instead, use a diluted slow-release fertilizer.

Lithodora is generally hardy in zones 6 through 8 and does not like extremely hot and humid conditions. Popular cultivars include ‘Grace Ward’, ‘White Star’, ‘Blue Star’, and ‘Heavenly Blue’.

To prune Lithodora, wait until early spring and remove any blackened leaves that could prevent new growth and cause disease. The plant can also be cut back after the flowering period ends in mid to late summer to refresh it and maintain the desired size. Remove any unwanted tall or leggy growth.

Lithodora can be propagated by division in the early spring or fall. You can also propagate the plant from cuttings of established plants in mid- to late summer just as flowering comes to an end.

Lithodora grows well in containers. Use a pot with large drainage holes and fill it with quality potting mix. Potted Lithodora needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. When roots grow out of the drainage holes or the plant becomes root-bound, it’s time to transplant it to a larger pot.

To overwinter Lithodora, apply a thick layer of mulch to insulate the plant roots against the winter cold. Usually, pests are not a problem, but if aphids, spider mites, or whitefly appear on the plant, spray with insecticidal soap. In the event of a root-knot nematode invasion or bacterial leaf spot, remove and discard the infected plants.

If Lithodora stops blooming, it might be due to hot and humid weather or lack of sunlight or overwatering. It will bloom again next spring.