Blue-eyed Mary

Omphalodes verna is a charming, semi-evergreen perennial that provides a brilliant splash of azure-blue in early spring. It forms a low-growing mat of creeping stems with ovate, mid-green leaves. The flowers are small, brilliant blue with a white eye, closely resembling those of a forget-me-not but appearing earlier and on a flatter, more spreading plant. It is an excellent choice for ground cover under deciduous trees or shrubs, where it can spread via stolons to form a dense carpet. It is fully hardy (H6) and thrives in a moist, woodland-style soil in partial to full shade. In the UK, it is highly valued for its ability to naturalise and provide reliable, early-season color. It is a low-maintenance plant that is generally ignored by pests. A white-flowered form, 'Alba', is also available and can be mixed with the blue for a delicate, dappled effect on the woodland floor.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr, May.