Guide to growing garden plants - Omphalodes Navelwort

Members of the Omphalodes genus are hardy annuals and perennials that reach about 30cm in height.

This makes them ideal for use in rock gardens or as an edging plant.

Omphalodes have wiry stems, greyish green leaves, and cup shaped flowers of white or blue that bloom from the middle of spring to summer.

Some common names for Omphalodes include Navelwort , Creeping forget me not and Blue Eyed Mary.

How to grow Navelwort

The seeds of Navelwort and other Omphalodes should be sown at about 3mm deep after the last frost of spring. Navelwort likes to grow in a peaty, slightly alkaline soil, that is both cool and moist. They are able to grow in both partially and fully shaded areas of the garden.

When first growing Navelwort indoors start about three months in advance. It can take anything from two to seven weeks for the seeds to germinate at 18 to 24 degrees Centigrade. Once growing strongly transplant the seedlings about 20cm apart after the last frost of spring.

Caring for Navelwort and similar Omphalodes species

It is best to apply manure to the soil that Navelwort grows within in the spring; also mulch the plant to keep the soil and roots cool. Water Omphalodes regularly to keep the soil moist and cut back once flowering has finished. If more Omphalodes plants are required they can be propagated by division in the spring.