Overview
Anchusa officinalis is a spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Anchusa, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Anchusa officinalis 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. It is native to Cape Provinces, Free State, Lesotho and Northern Provinces.
About
Anchusa officinalis, also knowns as common bugloss or common alkanet, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family. It is native to Europe and small parts of western Asia, but has been escaped from cultivation to grow in additional locations in Europe and the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Anchusa officinalis
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, Clay, 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 officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Cape Provinces, Free State, Lesotho, Northern Provinces
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Anchusa officinalis
- Propagation
- Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Anchusa officinalis?
Anchusa officinalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anchusa officinalis need?
Anchusa officinalis 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.
How big does Anchusa officinalis grow?
Anchusa officinalis reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Anchusa officinalis hardy in the UK?
Anchusa officinalis 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 officinalis?
Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots.
