Overview

Alkanna tinctoria is a plant with a herbaceous perennial habit in the genus Alkanna, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Alkanna tinctoria grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Alkanna tinctoria, the dyer's alkanet or simply alkanet, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae. Its roots are used to produce a red dye.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alkanna tinctoria

About the genus

Alkanna is a genus of herbaceous plants in the family Boraginaceae. It includes 66 species native to southern and east-central Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.

Wikipedia contributors, "Alkanna", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alkanna

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Alkanna

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Alkanna tinctoria size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Herbaceous perennial

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal gardens, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Alkanna tinctoria

Propagation

Seed, Root cuttings

Pest resistance

Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions