Omphalodes

( om - fal - LOH - deez )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennial plants needs partial shade and regular water, and thrive in woodland gardens. They resemble Myosotis, but are not as freely seeding and have deeper blue, larger flowers. These flowers are great for banks, on walls, or anywhere that their flowers can be viewed from close-up. These plants are commonly called Navelwort, and are fantastic groundcover or container-grown plants. They can also be added to borders and mixed beds for pops of small, delicate blue flowers.

Omphalodes Species and Varietals

The best growing zones for Omphalodes vary depending on the species grown; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Omphalodes cappadocica (Cappadocian Navelwort)
This species grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-21 and is native to Turkey. This plant forms a clump of bright green foliage and produces sprays of bright blue flowers with white eyes in springtime. Varieties include 'Lilac Mist' (with grey-lavender flowers on a plant that reaches 10 inches tall) and 'Starry Eyes' (a 10 inch tall plant that has lilac flowers with blue spots). There are also selections with white flowers.

Omphalodes verna (Blue-Eyed Mary, Creeping Navelwort)
This species grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-21, and is native to the mountain ranges of Europe. It forms a mat of dark greenery 3 inches tall and 3 feet or more wide. Flowers are deep blue with white eyes.

Caring for Omphalodes

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Omphalodes
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Omphalodes
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​