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Herbaceous Perennial

Moltkia doerfleri

Doerfler's moltkia

A rhizomatous, woody-based perennial to 40cm tall, with wiry, upright stems and lance-shaped leaves. From late spring to midsummer, arching flowerspikes bear pendent, narrowly tubular, purple flowers. Grow in a Mediterranean or rock garden

Synonyms
Lithospermum doerfleri
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Moltkia can be evergreen or deciduous, subshrubs or perennials, with simple, lance-shaped or linear leaves and funnel-shaped or tubular blue, purple or yellow flowers in late spring and early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N.E. Albania

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet and cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back old top growth in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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