Also called thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, this herbaceous perennial is native to moist to wet places such as on streams, river and pool margins, and in freshwater tidal marshes of southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. It is a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes snapdragon, foxglove, and turtlehead. The plant grows 1-3′ tall and has opposite succulent leaves that are oval, shiny, and up to 1″ long. From mid spring to frost (year round in warm climates), small, bell-shaped flowers appear in the leaf axils. The flowers are 2/3″ across, have 4-5 white petals with pinkish or blue tinges, and attract butterflies and other small pollinators. The plants may be aquatic or semi-aquatic and are attractive in bog and water gardens as well as in native plant and pollinator gardens. They grow rapidly and are useful as a groundcover as well as in hanging baskets and containers.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Small white flowers tinged with pink or blue, from mid spring to frost.
Size: 1-3′ H x 1-4′ W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist to wet
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Cuttings, division
Companion Plants: Button bush, hardy hibiscus, scarlet rose mallow
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers