About
Cynoglossum nervosum, the Himalayan hound's tongue, is an upright, clump-forming perennial to around 60 cm with bristly, narrow, oblong, prominently veined green leaves and bright azure-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers from mid-spring to midsummer. One of the most intensely blue-flowered of all border perennials.
About the genus
Cynoglossum, the hound's tongues, are annuals, biennials and short-lived perennials with roughly hairy, lance-shaped to oblong leaves and forked cymes of blue, purple, pink or white, forget-me-not-like flowers from spring to autumn. Easy-growing plants for sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toHimalaya
ToxicityFoliage may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
PruningCut all foliage back to ground level at the end of the growing season
PropagationPropagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews