Sharing is caring!
Omphalodes, also known as Blue-eyed Mary, is a low-growing, relatively easy-to-grow perennial ground cover. Omphalodes is also known as borage and navel plant. It is an easy-care plant that can add color to shady areas of the garden or in containers.
Omphalodes has attractive foliage and delicate flowers. It belongs to the genus Boraginaceae and is native to forests, grasslands and rocky areas in Europe and Asia.
Omphalodes plants have round, heart-shaped leaves that range in color from green to silvery-gray, depending on the species. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, usually blue or purple, and grow in clusters on slender stems.
Omphalodes bloom in spring and early summer, attracting pollinators including bees and butterflies. These plants are popular in gardens as ground covers or in rock gardens, as they are easy to grow and propagate. Omphalodes prefer well-drained soil and partial shade, and can be easily divided and transplanted to form new plants.
Learn about Omphalodes
- Plant Type: Perennial Ground Cover
- Growing Zones and Range: Zones 6 to 9
- Hardiness: Will die in freezing conditions
- Height and Width: 12 to 18 inches tall and as wide as
- Leaves: Simple, oblong to ovate
- Flowers: Small, bell-shaped flowers in blue, purple or white
- Bloom time: Spring or early summer
- Uses: Ground cover, potted plant
- Common name: Blue-eyed Mary
- Botanical name: Omphalode (Navel)
- Family name: Boraginaceae
- Origin: Europe, North Africa, Asia, Mexico
Where to grow Omphalodes
- Omphalodes grow best in partial shade to full shade, although some varieties can tolerate full sun. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to burn.
- Omphalodes prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
- Outdoor lighting:
- Use Omphalodes plants to fill in shady areas in the garden where other plants have difficulty growing.
When to plant Omphalodes
- Plant Omphaloides in spring or fall.
Planting and Spacing Omphalodes
- Space Omphalodes plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and backfill with soil, making sure the plant is at the same height as it was in the pot. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Place the tree in a hole the same depth as when planted in the pot.
How to water and feed Omphalodes fish
- Omphalodes like their soil to stay moist (but not waterlogged), especially during the hot summer months. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Omphalodes generally do not require regular fertilization, but you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
Umbilical cord care
- Mulch around the base of the Omphalodes to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. An organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, can also help improve soil fertility.
- Omphaloides do not require much pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking neat. Prune omphaloides after flowering to maintain a neat appearance and promote new growth.
Pests and diseases of Omphalodes plants
- Omphalodes are relatively pest-resistant, but you may occasionally encounter problems such as slugs, snails, or mold. Hand-pick pests and treat mold with a fungicide if necessary.
The spread of Omphalodes
- Omphalodes can be propagated by division or by seed. Divide mature plants in spring or fall, and sow seeds in fall for germination the following spring.
- To propagate Omphalodes by division. Simply dig up a clump of plants and separate them into smaller sections, each with roots. Replant the sections in a new location or give them away to friends and family. Division is best done in spring or fall.
- Omphaloides can be propagated by collecting and planting seeds.
Omphalodes Varieties for Planting
- Cappadocia Omphalodes: slow-spreading ground cover, growing to 18 inches wide and about 12 inches tall; bears numerous spikes of bright blue, white-eyed flowers in spring; available in ‘Lilac Mist’ and ‘Starry Eyes’ varieties.
- O.linifoliaAlso known as Venus navel plant, it grows 12 to 18 inches tall with white or pale blue flowers.
- O. vernacalled Blue-Eyed Marty, 8 inches tall and 3 feet wide; bears clusters of dark blue flowers with white eyes; cultivar ‘Alba’ has white flowers.
