Overview
Anchusa sempervirens is a plant with a spreading branched habit in the genus Pentaglottis, part of the Boraginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Anchusa sempervirens 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
Pentaglottis is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is represented by a single species, Pentaglottis sempervirens, commonly known as green alkanet or evergreen bugloss, and it is one of several related plants known as alkanet.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pentaglottis
About the genus
Pentaglottis is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is represented by a single species, Pentaglottis sempervirens, commonly known as green alkanet or evergreen bugloss, and it is one of several related plants known as alkanet. It is a bristly, perennial plant native to southwestern Europe, in northwest Iberia and France.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pentaglottis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pentaglottis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pentaglottis
- 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 sempervirens 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 sempervirens
- 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 sempervirens?
Anchusa sempervirens prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Anchusa sempervirens need?
Anchusa sempervirens 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 sempervirens hardy in the UK?
Anchusa sempervirens 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 sempervirens?
Seed, root cuttings, softwood cuttings from base of young shoots.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.