Globularia cordifolia aka Heart Leaf Globe Daisy

Globularia cordifolia is a small plant from central and southern Europe. It is an evergreen perennial: it lives for years and keeps its leaves. This gives lasting cover through the year. Its other name is heart-leaved globe daisy. It is part of the Plantaginaceae family. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It forms a low mat that suits small planting spaces.

A woody base holds a mat of small, spoon-shaped leaves. Plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] in height. Their spread ranges from 0.33–1.64 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The plant thus grows much wider than it does tall. Leave room for the mat to reach its full width. The RHS says plants take five to ten years to mature. Small, pale lavender-blue flowers form heads that look soft. Each head measures about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across. The round heads contrast with the low mat of leaves.

Grow this plant in full sun, with very good drainage. Use neutral or alkaline soil, not acid ground. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as good soil types. Water must drain well through each of these soil types. Keep plants safe from too much wet in winter. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. This means it suits most UK sites, even in severe winters. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–7. These ratings reflect growing conditions in different regions. The two scales do not match each other.

Its small size and shape suit rock and gravel gardens. It also fits troughs, patio pots and an alpine house. Its low height suits displays where space is tight. The leaves give cover after the flowers have gone. Give the mat room to spread; do not rely on height for effect. Choose a sunny site where water drains well. Check winter drainage even where the plant withstands the cold.

The RHS reports few routine problems with pests or disease. It also says this species needs no pruning. Grow new plants from seed or from single rosettes. These are two ways to build up a planting. The supplied sources do not show whether it has edible uses. They do not establish whether it is toxic, either. They give no fruit or pollinator details for this species. Treat these points as unknown. Do not assume the plant is safe or has a use.