Heart-leaved globe daisy Globularia cordifolia
Heart-leaved globe daisy (Globularia cordifolia) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Limestone mountains of central and southern Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans). It grows 3–10 cm (1–4 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Heart-leaved globe daisy at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 3–10 cm (1–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Limestone mountains of central and southern Europe (Alps, Pyrenees, Balkans) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
Is Heart-leaved globe daisy toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Heart-leaved globe daisy
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Heart-leaved globe daisy
- How far apart should I plant Heart-leaved globe daisy?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Heart-leaved globe daisy need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Heart-leaved globe daisy need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Heart-leaved globe daisy?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Heart-leaved globe daisy flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Heart-leaved globe daisy poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Heart-leaved globe daisy?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Heart-leaved globe daisy. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- A woody, ground-hugging mat of tiny dark leaves with powder-blue pompom flower heads on short stems in early summer. Loves limestone crevices and hot, dry ledges.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
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- Angelonia (summer snapdragon) Angelonia angustifolia