Pardoglossum cheirifolium Plant Care

Pardoglossum cheirifolium (Pardoglossum cheirifolium) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Pardoglossum genus. Pardoglossum cheirifolium is native to the western and central Mediterranean Basin, including Portugal, Spain, France, the Italian Peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece in southern Europe, and Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya in North Africa.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Pardoglossum cheirifolium produces small blue bell-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pardoglossum cheirifolium every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Pardoglossum cheirifolium in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Pardoglossum cheirifolium prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Pardoglossum cheirifolium to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pardoglossum cheirifolium every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pardoglossum cheirifolium while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Pardoglossum cheirifolium grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Pardoglossum cheirifolium is native to the western and central Mediterranean Basin, including Portugal, Spain, France, the Italian Peninsula, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece in southern Europe, and Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya in North Africa.