The Story
Plant Bio
Glandora prostrata, formerly classified as Lithodora prostrata, is a low-growing, evergreen subshrub native to southwestern Europe and North Africa. It forms a dense, spreading mat of dark green, lanceolate leaves covered in stiff hairs, which are topped by vivid, deep blue, funnel-shaped flowers from spring through summer.
This species is distinguished by its intense gentian-blue floral display and its prostrate, trailing habit that excels in rock gardens. The rough-textured, bristly foliage provides year-round soil cover while resisting soil erosion on sloped sites.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
6"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southwestern Europe, North Africa
Toxicity
Low (skin irritant)
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and highly permeable, acidic to neutral sandy or gravelly soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent collar rot.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch or gravel around the base to conserve moisture and keep the foliage off damp soil.
Pro Tip
Treat this species as an alpine plant by providing exceptional sub-surface drainage in acidic to neutral sandy loam; pruning into old, leafless wood during fall or winter will kill the branches.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Trim back flower shoots immediately after the summer bloom to maintain a compact, dense habit.
- Grow in raised beds, rockeries, or slopes to ensure the rapid drainage this species requires.
- Provide light afternoon shade in hot southern climates to protect the foliage from scorching.
Don't
- Do not prune hard into old, woody, leafless stems, as they will not regenerate.
- Do not plant in heavy clay, waterlogged soils, or highly alkaline conditions.
- Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak growth and reduce flowering.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Creeping Gromwell questions
What zones can Creeping Gromwell grow in?
Creeping Gromwell is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Creeping Gromwell deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Creeping Gromwell, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Creeping Gromwell bloom?
Creeping Gromwell typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Creeping Gromwell need full sun?
Creeping Gromwell does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Creeping Gromwell drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Creeping Gromwell handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Creeping Gromwell with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.