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Moltkia doerfleri
Doerfler's moltkia
Northern Albania and western Balkans
Overview
Moltkia doerfleri is a low, suckering perennial subshrub reaching 8-14 inches (20-35 cm) tall and spreading by underground runners to form patches 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. In early summer it bears nodding clusters of tubular flowers in deep violet to purple-blue, each tube about 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) long, carried in short curved sprays typical of the borage family. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are dark green, rough-hairy, and 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, arranged along upright to semi-upright stems. The plant spreads steadily by rhizome and can form a low thicket over time. It is native to a small area of the Balkan mountains and is adapted to rocky, free-draining ground. Unlike clump-forming Moltkia spp. relatives, this species runs at the root and colonizes outward. Growth dies back partly in cold winters and resumes from the base in spring. Heavy, wet soils cause root rot, and the running habit can crowd smaller neighbors in a rock garden. Flowering is concentrated in a single early-summer flush.
Native Range
Moltkia doerfleri is native to the mountains of northern Albania and the western Balkans, where it grows on rocky slopes and limestone screes. Its wild distribution is restricted to this region.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds, and dry stone walls with sharp drainage. Suited to sunny slopes and crevice plantings on limey soils where its spreading habit has room.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'2"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open in early summer, typically June, in nodding terminal clusters. The tubular flowers are deep violet to purple-blue and last about three to four weeks. Flowering occurs in a single flush with little or no repeat bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep violet to purple-blueFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Moltkia doerfleri grows in full sun to part sun in sharply drained, gritty or rocky soil. It tolerates soil pH from about 6.5 to 7.8 and grows well on neutral to alkaline ground over limestone. Established plants withstand drought and need little water once rooted. Heavy, wet, or poorly drained soil causes root and crown rot. The running rhizomes spread outward and may need lifting to keep the plant within bounds. Light trimming after flowering keeps growth compact.Pruning
Stems are sheared lightly after flowering to keep the plant compact and remove spent flower clusters. Winter-damaged growth is cut back to live wood in spring. No other pruning is required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing