Omphalodes, often known as blue-eyed Mary, is a low-growing floor cowl perennial that’s comparatively straightforward to develop. Omphalodes is often known as creeping forget-me-not and navel-wort. It’s a low-maintenance plant that may add a splash of shade to shady areas within the backyard or in containers.
Omphalodes has engaging foliage and delicate flowers. It belongs to the genus Boraginaceae and is native to woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas in Europe and Asia.
Omphalodes vegetation have rounded, heart-shaped leaves that vary in shade from inexperienced to silver-gray, relying on the species. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, usually blue or purple in shade, and develop in clusters on slender stems.
Omphalodes bloom within the spring and early summer season, attracting pollinators together with bees and butterflies. These vegetation are well-liked in gardens as floor cowl or in rockeries, as they’re straightforward to develop and propagate. Omphalodes favor swell-drained soil and partial shade, and might be simply divided and transplanted to create new vegetation.
Get to know Omphalodes
- Plant kind: Perennial floor cowl
- Rising zones and vary: Zones 6 to 9
- Hardiness: Will die again in a freeze
- Peak and width: 12 to 18 inches tall and as extensive
- Foliage:Easy, rectangular to ovate leaves
- Flowers: Small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white
- Bloom time: Spring or early summer season
- Makes use of: Floor cowl, container plant
- Frequent title: Blue-eyed Mary
- Botanical title: Omphalodes
- Household title: Boraginaceae
- Origin: Europe, northern Africa, Asia, Mexico
The place to plant Omphalodes
- Omphalodes grows greatest in partial shade to full shade, though some varieties can tolerate full solar. Keep away from planting them in direct daylight, as this could trigger the leaves to scorch.
- Omphalodes prefers well-draining, barely acidic soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soil with compost or peat moss to enhance drainage and fertility.
- Mild outside:
- Use Omphalodes to fill in shady areas of the backyard the place different vegetation might battle to develop.
When to plant Omphalodes
- Plant Omphaloides within the spring or fall.
Planting and spacing Omphalodes
- Area Omphalodes 8 to 12 inches aside. Dig a gap that’s barely bigger than the foundation ball and backfill with soil, ensuring the plant is on the similar degree because it was within the pot. Water completely after planting.
- Place the plant within the gap on the similar depth it was within the pot.
Methods to water and feed Omphalodes
- Omphalodes desires soil that’s constantly moist (however not waterlogged), particularly through the scorching summer season months. Keep away from letting the soil dry out utterly, as this could trigger the plant to wilt and die.
- Omphalodes usually doesn’t require common fertilization, however you’ll be able to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer within the early spring to advertise wholesome progress.
Omphalodes care
- Mulch across the base Omphalodes to assist retain moisture and suppress weeds. A layer of natural mulch, reminiscent of shredded bark or compost, can even assist enhance soil fertility.
- Omphaloides doesn’t require a lot pruning. You’ll be able to take away any lifeless or broken leaves to maintain the plant wanting tidy. Trim again omphaloides vegetation after flowering to keep up a tidy look and encourage new progress.
Omphalodes pests and illnesses
- Omphalodes is comparatively proof against pests and illnesses, however chances are you’ll sometimes encounter points reminiscent of slugs, snails, or powdery mildew. Handpick pests, and deal with mildew with a fungicide if obligatory.
Omphalodes propagation
- Omphalodes might be propagated by division or by seed. Divide established vegetation within the spring or fall, and sow seeds within the fall for germination the next spring.
- To propagate Omphalodes by division. Merely dig up a clump of the plant and separate it into smaller sections, every with roots connected. Replant the divisions in a brand new location or give them to family and friends. Division is greatest accomplished within the spring or fall.
- Omphaloides might be propagated by amassing and planting seeds.
Omphalodes varieties to develop
- Omphalodes cappadocia: slow-spreading floor cowl grows to 18 inches extensive and about 12 inches excessive; bears sprays of vibrant blue, white-eyed flowers in spring; cultivar ‘Lilac Mist’ and ‘Starry Eyes’ can be found.
- O. linifolia, referred to as Venus’s navelwort, grows 12 to 18 inches tall with white or pale-blue flowers.
- O. verna, referred to as blue-eyed Marty, grows 8 inches excessive and three toes extensive; bears clusters of deep blue flowers with white eyes; cultivar ‘Alba’ has white flowers.