About
Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' is an upright, clump-forming perennial that has a relatively short lifespan. It features alternate, smooth, and stiffly hairy leaves that are linear-elliptic to lanceolate in shape, with bases that either clasp or sit directly on the stem. From late spring through early summer, it produces vibrant blue flowers that are arranged in terminal spikes, elevating above the surrounding foliage.
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
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- 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. Plants may require staking.
- Pruning
- Dead-head after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flush. Cut back top-growth after flowering to encourage the development of overwintering basal rosettes.
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, root cuttings in winter or by softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots in spring.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Can be susceptible to powdery mildews