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 H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe, N Africa and W Asia.
About
Anchusa azurea is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 90 cm tall. It features coarse, hairy, lance-shaped leaves primarily found at the base. The plant produces vibrant gentian-blue flowers that gradually transition to blue-purple as they mature, all arranged on upright, branching stems.
About the genus
Anchusa comprises erect or spreading plants that can be classified as perennials, biennials, or annuals. Their leaves are typically hairy or bristly, and they produce clusters of tubular or salver-shaped flowers, which are predominantly blue in color.
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
- H5
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
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, W Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anchusa azurea
- Cultivation
- Grows in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives in moist soils but dislikes winter wet. May need staking
- Pruning
- Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage overwintering rosettes of foliage
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, root cuttings or by softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf-mining flies
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Anchusa azurea?
Grows in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives in moist soils but dislikes winter wet. May need staking.
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 do I prune Anchusa azurea?
Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage overwintering rosettes of foliage.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Anchusa azurea?
Propagate by seed, root cuttings or by softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots.