Help with this flower please

[willowjay]

OK - I know it isn't a wild flower, but I'm hoping that with all the expertise around, someone will give me a clue to the family of this flower, so that I can research further








A brief history - I first discovered it over 25 years ago in Powis Castle. It was growing as ground cover under a bed of pink roses. It was not for sale, but with a bit of persistence, I managed to obtain a small piece, and has been my constant companion in all the gardens I've had since. I love it.

It is affectionately known in our family as The Blue Thug - because, once established it takes over and wants to rule the world. It's evergreen, has these intense, stunning blue flowers at this time of the year, and in the autumn sends out runners - at the tip of which is a small plantlet that roots itself, and so on - hence the 'thug'.

Powis Castle only gave the name 'Moltkia' - but it's nothing like any plants with that name that I've been able to find on the internet.

So - any ideas? Many thanks in advance if you can help at all

willowjay

[Dorts]

It's Blue Gromwell - Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum.
(used to be called Purple Gromwell)
I believe there are one or two 'named' varieties.
Dorts.

[willowjay]

Thank you so much, Dorts, you are an absolute star!