Also known as Navelwort · 10 saves
Omphalodes
Omphalodes, the genus most gardeners know as navelwort. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Omphalodes varieties
2 species of Omphalodes
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Omphalodes in Sow
Save the Omphalodes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Omphalodes
Whats common across all Omphalodes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Omphalodes year
- DivideApril67% of varieties
Split congested clumps as growth resumes in spring.
- DeadheadMay67% of varieties
Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing next year.
Do
- Grow it in part to full shade 🌳
- Give it humus-rich, free-draining soil 🍂
- Divide congested clumps every few years ✂️
- Use it for blue in dry shade 💙
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Plant it in full sun ❌
- Let it sit in waterlogged ground ❌
- Expect it to seed around like forget-me-not ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Omphalodes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs and snails | Holes chewed in the soft heart-shaped leaves | Clear damp debris and trap or pick at night in spring |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Provide free-draining soil in shade; problems here are rare |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting, blackened roots | Ensure well-drained soil, avoid overwatering |
Making more Omphalodes
Division
- Lift the clump in early spring or after flowering.
- Pull it apart into rooted sections.
- Replant at the same depth and water in well.
Seed sowing
- Sow seeds on moist surface in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks, seedlings transplant in 8 weeks.
Omphalodes questions
How many types of Omphalodes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Omphalodes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 10 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Omphalodes grow in?
Across its varieties, Omphalodes covers USDA Zones 6–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Omphalodes bloom?
Most Omphalodes varieties bloom in early spring, late spring to summer, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Omphalodes should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.