Family: Globulariaceae
Common Name: Globe Daisy

These easy-to-grow, mat-forming perennials and small shrubs, found mainly in the Mediterranean, bear pretty, daisy-like flowers in summer. They are ideal for window boxes, pots and rock gardens.

Species

G. cordifolia, zone 6, a prostrate, ever-green subshrub, with tiny, spoon-shaped leaves and fluffy, lavender blue flower heads. Var. alba has white flowers.

G. meridionalis, zone 5, has blue flowers on long stalks. Cultivar 'Alba' has white flowers.

G. repens, zone 5, the smallest species, to 2 cm (1 in), is a creeping, slow-grow­ing shrub with tiny, blue flowers.

G. trichosan­tha, globe daisy, zone 6, a perennial, grows to 20 cm (8 in). It forms clumps of leafy rosettes from which arise soft, blue, ball-like flowers in spring and summer.

Cultivation

Globularias thrive in sun with good drainage. Propagate from seed or by division in spring, or from summer cuttings which strike easily in a sharp, sandy loam.

Climate

Most species can be grown in zones 5 or 6.