Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter months when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Lithospermum · Red Gromwell · Red-Root Gromwell
Lithospermum erythrorhizon, or Purple gromwell, is a herbaceous perennial native to East Asia, admired for its vibrant purple-blue flowers and attractive foliage.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but can tolerate some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures; hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Protect from extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter months when the plant is dormant.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems. Light pruning can help maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. For more significant shaping, prune harder.
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or early spring, or by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Seeds may require a period of cold stratification. Cuttings should be rooted in moist, well-draining potting mix.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, as needed, when they become root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger pot.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Purple Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Lithospermum |
| Species | Lithospermum erythrorhizon |
Similar in genus Lithospermum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
