Grace Ward Lithodora | Deep Blue Starry Ground Cover

Grace Ward Lithodora

1 Gallon

$19.90

1/7

Grace Ward Lithodora

Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward'

A stunning, slow-spreading ground cover with a profusion of intense, true blue flowers and evergreen foliage.

$19.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Grace Ward Lithodora is a spectacular, low-growing evergreen perennial prized for its intense, true blue flowers and its ability to thrive in acidic soils. This popular cultivar forms a dense, spreading mat of small, hairy, dark green, linear leaves that remain attractive year-round . From mid-spring to early summer, and often with sporadic rebloom, the plant is covered with a profusion of small, star-shaped, deep violet-blue flowers that are among the truest blues in the plant kingdom . A slow-spreading but reliable ground cover, it is an outstanding choice for rock gardens, cascading over walls, and providing a stunning carpet of cool color in sunny to partially shaded gardens.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, linear to lance-shaped, hairy, dark green leaves (to 1 inch long) on prostrate, semi-woody stems; profuse, small (½ inch), star-shaped, deep violet-blue to true blue flowers in spring (often with sporadic rebloom in summer) .
Mature Height: 6-12 inches
Mature Spread: 24-48 inches (2-4 ft)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-8 ; Sunset 5-7, 14-17
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (some afternoon shade in hot climates)
Core Benefits: Spectacular, intense true blue flowers, evergreen ground cover, slow-spreading, deer resistant, tolerates some shade.
Best Uses: Rock gardens, cascading over retaining walls, ground cover, border edging, containers, spilling over hanging baskets, underplanting for acid-loving shrubs.

Q: Why are the leaves on my Grace Ward Lithodora turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) are most often caused by soil that is too alkaline . Lithodora requires acidic soil (pH 5.0-6.0) . In neutral or alkaline soil, the plant cannot absorb iron, leading to yellowing leaves and eventual decline. Test your soil pH. If it is too high, amend with sulfur or peat moss, or consider growing it in a container with acidic potting mix.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates, full sun is ideal for the most abundant flowers. In hot summer climates, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch and keep the foliage looking fresh.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Lithodora prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It is not drought-tolerant and will suffer if allowed to dry out completely, especially in full sun. Water regularly, but ensure the soil is not waterlogged. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keep the shallow roots cool.

Q: Is it a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, it is an outstanding plant for a rock garden . Its low, spreading habit, preference for sharply drained soil, and spectacular blue flowers make it a classic choice for tucking into crevices between rocks or allowing it to cascade over stone walls.

Q: How large does it get?
A: 'Grace Ward' is a low-growing ground cover, typically reaching only 6-12 inches in height . Its spread is slow to moderate, eventually reaching 2-4 feet wide over several years.

Q: Can I grow it in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a container . This is actually an excellent way to ensure it has the acidic, well-drained soil it needs. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining, acidic potting mix (formulated for rhododendrons or azaleas). Container plants will need more frequent watering.