Biology:Lithodora diffusa
| Lithodora diffusa | |
|---|---|
| |
| L. diffusa, Osaka Prefectural Flower Garden, Japan | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Lithodora |
| Species: | L. diffusa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lithodora diffusa (Lag. ) I.M.Johnst.
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Lithodora diffusa, the purple gromwell, syn. Lithospermum diffusa, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. It is a mat-forming perennial growing to 15 cm (6 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) or more wide, with dark green, hairy evergreen leaves and masses of blue or white 5-lobed flowers. It is suitable for cultivation in a rock garden or alpine garden.[1]
Although there is a variety with white flowers, L. diffusa var. alba,[2] the blue-flowered varieties are most valued in gardens for the intense azure color of their abundant blooms. Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, of which 'Grace Ward'[3] and 'Heavenly Blue'[4] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5]
Lithodora diffusa is hardy down to −15 °C (5 °F) (USDA zones 6 - 8),[2] and requires a position in full sun. It needs a well-drained acid or neutral soil, as it is susceptible to root rot. It requires vernalization to flower.[6]
The ancient Greek term lithodora literally means "stone gift", referring to its preferred habitat. Diffusa means "spreading", and refers to the plant's growth habit.[7]
References
- ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. pp. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Armitage, Allan (1989). Herbaceous Perennial Plants. Athens, GA: Varsity Press, Inc.. pp. 385–386. ISBN 9780942375015.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'". https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/97326/Lithodora-diffusa-Grace-Ward/Details. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Lithodora diffusa 'Heavenly Blue'". https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/48275/Lithodora-diffusa-Heavenly-Blue/Details. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
- ↑ "AGM Plants - Ornamental". Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 61. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
- ↑ [1.pdf "Lithodora diffusa 'White Star' Technical Guide"]. Blooms of Bressingham. http://www.botanicsinternational.co.uk/data-sheets/blooms/Lithodora%20White%20Star[1].pdf.
- ↑ Coombes, Allen J. (2012). The A to Z of plant names. USA: Timber Press. pp. 312. ISBN 9781604691962. https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781604691962/page/312.
Wikidata ☰ Q15588755 entry
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