The rockseed is an attractive ground cover that looks particularly good in rock gardens. Maintenance is also effortless. Find out more here.
Hobby gardeners are not always the same when it comes to the rock garden. Some find the natural design of a hilly landscape rather dull, while others enjoy the growth of rare plants between the stones. Small shrubs, which expand over time to form a handsome carpet of flowers, give such a mini-landscape a special character.
We recommend the stone seed (Lithodora diffusa). It blends harmoniously into the overall composition of a lively rock garden. The dwarf shrub with its copious number of bright blue star flowers is not only attractive, but also easy to care for.
Steinsame portrayed
The stone seed reaches a height of just 15 to 20 centimeters and grows bushy. The branches are overhanging and quickly cover the ground.
The leaves of the dwarf shrub are intensely green and rough. From May to June, it unfolds its bloom of bright flower stars.
The stone seed owes its name to its ivory-coloured, nut-shaped fruits. Because these are rock hard.
The dwarf shrub likes it warm and sheltered from the wind
A sheltered, light, partially shaded location is ideal for the dwarf shrub. A place where it gets enough sunlight is best suited, just not in the blazing midday sun.
❏ The soil should be permeable and humus rich
The Lithodora prefers fresh, permeable and nutrient-rich soil. The soil should also be humus. Neutral to acidic soil is fine.
But avoid calcareous soil, the stone seed does not tolerate it at all.
If you have a rather loamy and heavy garden soil, then work into this rich sand, gravel, hummus or fine-grained bark mulch. It is important that no backwater can form at the root level of the bushy mini-shrub.
If you plant a group of stone seeds, choose a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters between the dwarf shrubs. You can do something about the space between other shrubs or perennialssized larger.
❏ Water moderately
While the plant is establishing itself, water the stone seeds regularly, but only enough to keep the soil moist is. Later, the dwarf shrub is only watered during prolonged dry periods. Do not water too vigorously and avoid waterlogging.
Use rainwater if possible. The bushy dwarf shrub reacts angrily to calcareous tap water.
❏ Fertilization is done organically
You cover the nutrient requirement with compost and organic long-term fertilizer. You should incorporate compost into the soil as early as possible while planting.
Before you mulch the rockseed around the root area at the beginning of the gardening season, apply some slow-release fertilizer to the soil first.
❏ Cut back every 2 years after flowering
It is enough if you cut back your stone seeds every 2 years after flowering. This encourages the plant to grow stronger and bushier.
❏ A covering of brushwood in winter is advisable
The stone seed is hardy and does not need winter protection. However, it cannot be ruled out that it will be attacked by winter in harsh and snowy areas. Cover the creeping dwarf shrub with brushwood. This protects against icy frost and holds back the melt water during the snowmelt.
Summary: The stone seed is a gorgeous dwarf shrub that causes a sensation in the rock garden but also in groups of trees. It prefers a wind-protected warm location with permeable and nutrient-rich soil. After growth, the stone seed is only moderately watered during longer periods of drought. Compost and organic long-term fertilizers are sufficient for the nutrient supply.