Cherry and Lilac
By AndrewR
10 comments
Spring is all about bulbs. Snowdrops, crocus, narcissus, hyacinths, tulips – there are bulbs everywhere you look, responding to the warmth and moisture of spring. But many small woodland perennials are putting on an early display as well, making the most of the light available before the tree canopy takes over.
Omphalodes cappadocica is a native of Turkey, but is quite happy in British gardens in shady spots, tolerating even fairly dry spots. It is evergreen, growing no more than a foot tall, with a slightly wider spread. The slightly hairy leaves are oval and pointed. And just now, it carries bright blue flowers with white centres, reminiscent of forget-me-nots. The variety O. c. ‘Cherry Ingram’ has slightly larger flowers and is the one to look out for.
‘Starry Eyes’ is another form, with each flower having a white margin; to my mind this is not an improvement. Many years ago, I grew O. c. ‘Lilac Mist’, a variety with lilac coloured flowers, but lost it in a hot, dry summer. So I was thrilled to find it again at a specialist nursery a few weeks ago.
Omphalodes cappadocica is often recommended as ground cover, and while several plants would be needed to make a meaningful display in a larger area, single plants in shady corners are enough to make a spring display in smaller gardens.
2 May, 2018
10 likes
Previous post: A New Generation
Next post: Revamping a Border (Part 1)
Comments
Well that's much better than mine - must replace it with a Cherry Ingram! Do you find the leaves get tatty over the winter?
2 May, 2018
I have O. verna alba [an all white one] and it is quite vigorous but it is a very good ground cover plant. I keep having to dig it out to keep it in check and the soil is damp for most of the time.
I have some small plants potted up if you are interested. send me a pm if you are.
2 May, 2018
Siris - it definitely prefers moist soil, especially in spring. My 'Cherry Ingram' is growing under an apple tree so will not receive so much moisture once that has come into leaf
Stera - a little but they soon freshen up in spring
Sbg - thanks but I already have that too. It's holding its own among stiff competition at the foot of a garage wall
2 May, 2018
Both are so dainty and very pretty indeed. Our heavy clay soil would sadly not be suitable for them, so I shall just have to admire yours!
2 May, 2018
Grew them many years ago in the midlands where they thrived, but not here unfortunately, yet I love Starry Eyes!
2 May, 2018
Wildrose - I am also growing the straight species on clay, and it doesn't seem to mind at all.
2 May, 2018
I have Cherry Ingam, new this year but doing well. Can they be split?
If it's not going to spread, I need to move it around if possible.
3 May, 2018
The RHS says you can divide it in early spring.
3 May, 2018
Thanks Andrew
3 May, 2018
Recent posts by AndrewR
- What A Difference A Day Makes
1 Dec, 2022
- The Hauser and Worth Garden
6 Jul, 2021
- Early flowering grasses
30 Jun, 2021
- Species aquilegias
2 Jun, 2021
- Farewell
31 Dec, 2020
- Chrysanthemums
8 Nov, 2020
Members who like this blog
-
Gardening with friends since
13 May, 2014 -
Gardening with friends since
28 Apr, 2016 -
Gardening with friends since
7 Jun, 2017 -
Gardening with friends since
24 Mar, 2011 -
Gardening with friends since
27 Sep, 2008 -
Gardening with friends since
30 May, 2010 -
Gardening with friends since
25 May, 2016 -
Gardening with friends since
26 Feb, 2008 -
Gardening with friends since
11 Feb, 2010 -
Gardening with friends since
22 Oct, 2008
Tolerates fairly dry spots! That's probably why my Cherry Ingram only produces single flowers, not a cluster like yours, tooo dry.
2 May, 2018