About
Borago officinalis is a sizable, branched annual characterized by its coarse, hairy, ovate leaves. Throughout the summer, it produces branched clusters of star-shaped, vibrant blue flowers, each measuring approximately 2 cm across, displaying a prolonged blooming period.
About the genus
Borago species can be classified as either annuals or perennials, characterized by their rough, hairy stems and uncomplicated leaves. They produce branched clusters of blue blooms.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in any reasonably drained soil in sun or partial shade. Dislikes transplanting
- Pruning
- Leave to self-seed after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Foliage may be damaged by slugs and leaf-mining flies
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews