Perennial of the Boraginaceae family, Moltkia doerfleri is a rare and localized species, endemic to the Balkans, mainly known from Albania and neighboring regions, where it grows on limestone rocks and sunny rocky slopes at altitude.
It forms an upright and branched clump, reaching 30 to 50 cm in height. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate, bright green, slightly hispid, densely arranged along the stems, giving the plant a full and slender appearance that is very characteristic.
The flowers are tubular, with an elongated tube and slightly flared limb, of an intense and bright violet-purple, gathered in terminal scorpioid cymes typical of Boraginaceae. This clear violet hue, rare in the family, is one of the most striking features of the species. The darker flower buds open gradually along the curved stem.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July. In cultivation, it generally occurs in June.
It is cultivated in full sun, in a well-drained limestone substrate, sheltered from stagnant winter moisture. It is perfectly suited to dry rock gardens and walls, where its upright habit and the vividness of its flowers clearly distinguish it from other cultivated Moltkia.