Overview
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' is a plant with a spreading branched habit in the genus Anchusa, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Anchusa azurea 'Opal' 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, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' is a spreading branched cultivar of the Anchusa genus, known for its deciduous foliage. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for all garden aspects, including south, west, east, and north-facing positions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, 'Opal' is well suited to sheltered locations and is ideal for wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. Propagation can be achieved through seed, root cuttings, or softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots.
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
- H5
Plant details
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anchusa azurea 'Opal'
- Propagation
- Seed, root cuttings, softwood cuttings from base of young shoots
- Pest resistance
- Leaf-mining flies
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Anchusa azurea 'Opal'?
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anchusa azurea 'Opal' need?
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' 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.
Is Anchusa azurea 'Opal' hardy in the UK?
Anchusa azurea 'Opal' 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 'Opal'?
Seed, root cuttings, softwood cuttings from base of young shoots.
