Overview

Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain' is a perennial in the genus Anchusa, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall and 0.6 metres wide. Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and pollinator gardens. It is native to Mediterranean region.

About

Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain' is a bristly herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae known for its massed violet-blue tubular flowers. Plants typically reach about 1.5 m tall and 60 cm wide and carry straight, lance-shaped leaves. Flowering runs from June to September and the blooms are attractive to bees. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and becomes drought-tolerant once established.

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

In the garden

Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain' is a herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae with a long-season display of violet-blue, tubular flowers. Originating from regions across Europe and western Asia into the eastern Maghreb, the species has been selected in cultivation for larger flower trusses and dependable summer colour. Expect plants to reach roughly 1.5 m in height with a spread near 60 cm, producing straight, lance-shaped leaves beneath the flower spikes. For reliable performance choose a sunny, well-drained position; plants tolerate dry conditions once established but resent waterlogged feet. Good drainage and a sunny aspect help reduce pressure from pests and disease; reported issues include leafminer and powdery mildew, so monitor foliage and avoid overhead watering where possible. The cultivar establishes quickly in suitable sites and benefits from staking in exposed positions if stems are long. In the UK garden it fits into informal mixed borders, cottage-style plantings and sunny wildlife margins where its June to September flowering provides a steady nectar source for bees. Cut flower stems early in the season to encourage further bloom if you use it for informal arrangements, and allow some plants to set seed where you want natural self-sowing the following year. Flowers from June to September are particularly attractive to pollinators.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Anchusa

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

1.5 metres

Spread

0.6 metres

Suggested uses

Borders, Pollinator gardens

Native to

Mediterranean region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Anchusa azurea 'Feltham's Pride Strain'

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape

Propagation

Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions