Overview
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' is a plant with a bushy, spreading branched, clump forming habit in the genus Anchusa, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Anchusa azurea 'Little John' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, wildlife gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' is a deciduous cultivar of the Anchusa genus, known for its bushy, spreading branched, and clump-forming habit. It thrives in full sun and can be grown in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with soil pH ranging from acid to alkaline. This cultivar prefers moist but well-drained soil and a sheltered exposure. Suitable for flower borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage or informal garden settings, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and can be propagated by seed, root cuttings, or softwood cuttings.
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
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anchusa azurea 'Little John'
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Anchusa azurea 'Little John'?
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anchusa azurea 'Little John' need?
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Anchusa azurea 'Little John' hardy in the UK?
Anchusa azurea 'Little John' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Anchusa azurea 'Little John'?
Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings.
