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Herbaceous Perennial

Buglossoides purpurocaerulea

purple gromwell

A perennial which spreads by means of creeping runners. Stems of narrow leaves are topped by small tubular flowers that open to five lobes of gentian-blue in spring and early summer

Other common names
creeping gromwell
Synonyms
Lithodora buglossoides
Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Buglossoides can be annuals or perennials, with bristlyleaves and small, funnel-shaped blue or white flowers in simple or branched terminal cymes in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Europe to Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers light, well-draining soil and tolerates chalk in sun or partial shade. May spread

Propagation

Propagate by division or propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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