Glandora diffusa (purple gromwell, "Miyamahotarukazura")

Japanese name: ミヤマホタルカズラ （深山蛍葛）
Scientific name: Glandora diffusa

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub 15–30 cm tall, found in its native habitat in coastal scrub and at woodland edges.
The whole plant is covered with stiff hairs.
It branches well and spreads in a mat, reaching about 60 cm wide.
The leaves are simple and densely alternate, linear-lanceolate, 1–2.5 cm long and about 0.6 cm wide, stalkless, with a dark green upper surface.
The leaf margins are entire and rolled under.
Flowers 1.5 cm across bloom in small cymes at the stem tips.
The corolla is funnel-shaped with 5 lobes, deep blue with somewhat darker reddish-purple stripes, although some plants bear all-blue or white flowers.
The fruit is a schizocarp.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers airy, well-drained soil and dislikes excess moisture.
In cool regions it prefers a sunny spot, but in warm regions it prefers a place that is in partial shade during the hot hours of the day.
To prevent the base of the plant from becoming too wet, plant it in a raised bed or on a mound of soil.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil dries out.
Fertilize sparingly; for plants in the ground, base fertilizer is enough and nothing more is needed, and for potted plants, apply a small amount from spring to autumn while watching the plant's condition.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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