Botanical Name: Lithodora diffusa ‘Grace Ward’ Common Name: Lithodora Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Mild Climates (USDA Zones 6–9) Size: 6–10" Tall × 18–24" Spread Growth Habit: Low, Spreading, Evergreen Groundcover Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best Bloom in Full Sun) Soil: Well-Drained, Acidic Soil Required Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture Preferred, Avoid Waterlogging Bloom Season: Mid to Late Spring (Occasional Rebloom) Fertilizer: Minimal; Acid-Loving Fertilizer if Needed Features: Intense Cobalt-Blue Flowers, Evergreen Foliage, Dense Mat-Forming Habit, Deer Resistant Uses: Ground Cover, Rock Gardens, Slopes, Edging, Acidic Soil Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Lithodora ‘Grace Ward’

Lithodora ‘Grace Ward’ is best known for its extraordinary cobalt-blue flowers, widely considered among the truest and most intense blue blooms available in the garden. In early to mid-spring, the plant becomes nearly blanketed in star-shaped flowers, creating a striking contrast against its deep green, needle-like evergreen foliage. The bloom display is dense and immersive rather than scattered, giving the plant a bold visual presence despite its low stature. Few groundcovers deliver this level of color saturation in such a compact form.

Beyond its flowers, ‘Grace Ward’ forms a tight, low-growing mat that remains attractive year-round. Its evergreen foliage provides structure and texture even when not in bloom, making it a valuable landscape plant rather than a short-lived seasonal accent. This growth habit makes it especially well suited for slopes, rock gardens, retaining walls, and the front edges of beds where erosion control and long-term coverage are important. When planted in the right conditions, it slowly spreads to create a cohesive, polished groundcover that feels intentional and refined.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Lithodora ‘Grace Ward’ has proven to be highly reliable when given what it prefers—excellent drainage, acidic soil, and good airflow. In these conditions, it establishes steadily and remains long-lived, maintaining dense evergreen foliage through all seasons. Poor drainage is the primary cause of failure, but when planted correctly, it performs with very little maintenance and improves in appearance year after year.

What truly sets ‘Grace Ward’ apart is its color. The intensity of its blue flowers is unmatched and consistently stops people in their tracks during peak bloom. We especially like using it as a specialty groundcover where color impact matters—paired with spring bulbs, silver foliage, dwarf conifers, or other low-growing evergreens. It’s not a filler plant; it’s a statement groundcover that rewards gardeners who place it thoughtfully.

Lithodora ‘Grace Ward’ vs. Other Groundcovers

Compared to creeping phlox, ‘Grace Ward’ offers a much deeper, truer blue flower color and evergreen foliage, though it is more particular about soil conditions.

When compared to blue star creeper, lithodora provides greater visual impact and seasonal drama, making it ideal for focal groundcover plantings. For gardeners with acidic, well-drained soil seeking a low-growing evergreen plant with unparalleled blue flowers, Lithodora ‘Grace Ward’ is a standout choice.