One of our favorite borage family members, Trachystemon orientalis is flowering this week in the woodland garden. Native to Bulgaria and Turkey, this late winter-flowering groundcover is quite tough. The foliage dies away in fall, but not long before the emergence of flowers and a new round of foliage. Hardiness Zone 6a-8b.
Is this the plant that grows along the stream banks in the garden on the house side?
The mass planting on a steep bank of Trachystemon at Plant Delights is truly amazing. This has not been my experience in my own woodland garden. It has not spread very much in over 5 years. I am curious to know what this plant requires to spread as beautifully as it does at Plant Delights? More information, generally, on plant needs would be greatly appreciated.
It certainly doesn’t spread quickly. We have grown it in both moist and dry shade, with a soil pH ranging from 4.0 to 6.5. I’d suggest planting them on 3′ centers for a complete coverage.