Overview

Anagallis tenella is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Anagallis, part of the Primulaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Anagallis tenella grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, hanging basket, patio and container plants, conservatory and greenhouse, flower borders and beds and ground cover. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Flanders, Faial Island, Flores Island, Pico Island, São Jorge Island and Açores.

About

Lysimachia tenella, synonym Anagallis tenella, known in Britain as the bog pimpernel, is a low growing perennial plant found in a variety of damp habitats from calcareous dune slacks to boggy and peaty heaths in western and southern Europe and Northwest Africa. In the United Kingdom it is mostly restricted to the western half of the country, although it was more common in the east before land drainage and intensification of farming in that area. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus as Lysimachia tenella in 1753. It was later transferred to the genus Anagallis, but returned to Lysimachia when Anagallis was synonymized with that genus, following molecular phylogenetic studies. In the wild it grows across Belgium, Flemish Region, Flanders, CH, DE and other regions. It grows to around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lysimachia tenella

About the genus

Anagallis is a formerly recognized genus of flowering plants in the family Primulaceae. It had about 20–25 species, commonly called pimpernels. Molecular phylogenetic studies showed that Anagallis was embedded in the genus Lysimachia, so its species were transferred to that genus.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Anagallis

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand, Clay

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Anagallis tenella size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Matforming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

Up to 10 cm

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

1-2 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Hanging Basket, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse, Flower borders and beds, Ground cover

Native to

Belgium, Flemish Region, Flanders, Faial Island, Flores Island, Pico Island, São Jorge Island, Açores

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Anagallis tenella

Propagation

Softwood tip cuttings, Seed

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions