Navelwort (Omphalodes cappadocica)

Overview

Omphalodes cappadocica, commonly known as Navelwort, offers a fantastic solution for gardeners seeking vibrant color in deep shade. This bushy, evergreen perennial forms dense clumps of foliage, providing texture even when not in bloom. Its key appeal lies in its delicate, forget-me-not-like flowers, which are showy blue with distinct white centers, emerging reliably in mid to late spring.

Native to the area of Turkey known as Cappadocia, Omphalodes cappadocica establishes itself easily in garden settings once situated correctly. It is valued for its low-growing habit and its ability to spread modestly via creeping rhizomes, making it an excellent choice for filling in gaps under trees or softening hard edges.

Adding Navelwort to your landscape brings reliable performance to challenging, dry, shaded areas where many other plants struggle. Its heart-shaped leaves create a handsome basal clump, setting the stage perfectly for the annual display of brilliant blue blossoms.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Asia Minor
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Blue with white eye
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Omphalodes cappadocica in the spring or fall when conditions are cooler. This plant thrives best in fertile, well-drained soil that maintains medium moisture levels. While it prefers consistent moisture, it is highly tolerant of dry shade once established, a major benefit for woodland plantings.

Position your Navelwort in locations receiving part shade to filtered light; full, scorching afternoon sun should be avoided entirely. In the northern reaches of its range (Zone 6), applying a winter mulch can provide extra protection to this evergreen perennial, helping to safeguard its basal foliage against harsh freeze/thaw cycles.

Maintenance for Omphalodes cappadocica is generally low. The primary tasks involve light cleanup after flowering, though it largely manages itself. Though it tolerates drought well, supplemental watering during extended dry spells, especially in its first season, will ensure vigorous clumping and better bloom production.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of Navelwort shines in shaded environments. It excels as a robust ground cover, rapidly knitting together an evergreen carpet underneath deciduous trees where light conditions eventually become heavy shade. Use Omphalodes cappadocica for edging woodland garden paths, creating a soft transition between lawn areas and deeper plantings.

Its spreading habit makes it perfect for naturalizing areas, allowing it to weave through established shrubs or rocks in a rock garden setting. It also performs admirably as an accent plant in containers placed on shaded patios, mixing well with ferns or hostas that share similar moisture requirements.

Consider mass planting this species near borders for maximum visual impact when the blue flowers appear. The low profile and creeping rhizomes of Omphalodes cappadocica prevent it from overwhelming neighboring, slightly taller shade perennials.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Omphalodes cappadocica, commonly known as Cappadocian navelwort, Cappadocian navelseed, or creeping-forget-me-not, is a bushy, evergreen, tufted perennial of the borage family that typically grows to 6-10” tall spreading by creeping rhizomes to 16” wide. It is native to Turkey. Slightly hairy, long-petioled, heart-shaped, ovate to lanceolate leaves (3-4” long) form a basal foliage clump from which rise flowering stalks in spring to 10” tall topped by loose terminal racemes of forget-me-not-like, 5-petaled, 1/3” diameter flowers which are blue to purple-blue with white eyes. Flowers have veining that radiates outward from the center giving the corolla a star-like appearance. Genus name comes from the Greek words omphalos meaning navel and oides meaning resembling in reference to the purported resemblance of the nutlet (hollowed on one side) to a human navel.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Heavy Shade

Potential Problems

This plant rarely suffers from serious disease or common garden pests, making it a reliable selection. The most frequently noted occasional issue involves slugs and snails, which may chew on the foliage, particularly when humidity is high or when the plant is young. To manage these mollusks, use bait pellets strategically placed around the base of the plants, or employ manual removal during damp evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Navelwort suitable for?

Omphalodes cappadocica is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Omphalodes cappadocica grow?

This perennial typically reaches heights between 0.5 and 0.75 feet tall, spreading outward between 0.75 and 1 foot wide.

What sun exposure does Navelwort need?

Omphalodes cappadocica prefers and thrives best in conditions ranging from part shade to full shade.

When does Navelwort bloom?

Navelwort displays its lovely blue flowers with a white eye from May through June.

Conclusion

The combination of evergreen foliage and bright blue spring flowers secures Omphalodes cappadocica as an essential plant for deep shade gardens. This forgiving Navelwort tolerates dry conditions remarkably well once established, offering dependable texture and color with medium maintenance. Before planting, confirm that your location falls within USDA Zones 6-9 for the best long-term success.

Companion Planting

When designing shaded borders, pair Omphalodes cappadocica with plants that complement its early spring bloom and textural qualities. Hostas, especially those with variegated or dark green foliage, provide excellent contrast to the bright blue flowers and heart-shaped leaves of the Navelwort. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns or Christmas Ferns, are natural companions, thriving in the same moist, well-drained, shaded soils.

Consider using spring ephemeral bulbs like Trillium or native spring wildflowers near the front edge of the planting; these will finish their cycle just as the Omphalodes cappadocica foliage fully thickens for summer coverage. For edging along stone paths, the low, mounding habit works beautifully alongside creeping thyme or moss where conditions permit slightly more light.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the primary time to focus on Navelwort, ensuring timely watering as the flower stalks emerge in April and May. After the blue blooms fade in early summer, a light trim can tidy up any spent flower stalks, though this is optional. Summer care centers on consistency; while Omphalodes cappadocica handles drought, a supplemental drink during very dry spells helps maintain its evergreen appearance.

In the autumn, focus on protection, especially if you are in Zone 6. Apply a light layer of protective mulch around the base of the plant before the hard frosts arrive. This helps insulate the root zone and protects the leaves from winter burn, ensuring a fresh green show when late winter thaws arrive. Minimal fall cleanup is required as it remains evergreen.