Overview
Anchusa azurea is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Anchusa, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Anchusa azurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border plant and ground cover.
About
Anchusa azurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, known by the common names garden anchusa and Italian bugloss (or just "bugloss"). It has straight lance-shaped leaves and petite tubular flowers about 15 millimeters across with five bright violet-blue petals. These flowers, which typically appear in May–July, are edible and attract bees. This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and eastern Maghreb. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing, east-facing and north-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anchusa azurea
About the genus
The genus Anchusa belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It includes about 35 species found growing in Europe, North Africa, South Africa and Western Asia. They are introduced in the United States.
Wikipedia contributors, "Anchusa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anchusa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anchusa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Anchusa azurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Border plant, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anchusa azurea
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Anchusa azurea?
Anchusa azurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anchusa azurea need?
Anchusa azurea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Anchusa azurea grow?
Anchusa azurea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Anchusa azurea hardy in the UK?
Anchusa azurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Anchusa azurea?
Seed, division.
More in the Anchusa genus
Browse all Anchusa →
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