Omphalodes, Genus, cappadocica, Species,
- Genus & species
cappadocian navelwort
NE Turkey (Pontic Alps, Caucasus; moist shaded forest floors and stream banks; not actually from Cappadocia)
Overview
Omphalodes cappadocica is a semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial reaching 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a low, mounding habit. Native to northeastern Turkey (not Cappadocia despite the name—the original collection locality was misidentified), this species produces sprays of bright blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in early spring. Each flower is 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) across with 5 rounded petals and a white eye. The basal leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, ovate to heart-shaped, prominently veined, medium to dark green. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 6. Spreads slowly by stolons to form loose colonies. An early-spring-flowering shade perennial.
Native Range
Omphalodes cappadocica is native to northeastern Turkey—the Pontic Alps and Caucasus region—in moist, shaded forest floors and stream banks. Despite the epithet, it is not from Cappadocia.Suggested Uses
Planted as a woodland groundcover, under trees, or in shaded borders at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. The early spring blue flowers precede most other shade perennials. Slow spreading. Requires shade and consistent moisture. Not suitable for full sun, dry sites, or hot climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Bright azure-blue flowers 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) with white eye, in loose sprays above the foliage, March-May. Bloom duration is 4-6 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright azure-blue with white eye; 5 rounded petals; 0.3-0.5 inch; loose sprays; Mar-MayFoliage Description
Medium to dark green; ovate to heart-shaped 2-4 inches; prominently veined; basalGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.0). Hardy to zone 6. Shade essential—leaf scorch in full sun. Consistent moisture needed. Mulch to maintain cool, moist root zone. Slow to establish. Spreads slowly by stolons.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after bloom. Tidy foliage as needed. The semi-evergreen leaves may look tired by late winter—new growth emerges in early spring.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May–June
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
