About
This softly hairy biennial to about 70cm tall, initially forming a basal rosette of grey-green, elliptic-oblong leaves to 12cm long, and in the second year producing loose clusters of dark purple-red flowers during summer.
About the genus
Cynoglossum can be annuals, biennials or perennials, usually short-lived, with roughly hairy, simple, lance-shaped to oblong leaves and cymes of blue, purple pink or white, forget-me-not-like flowers from spring to autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, W Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well in dry, gravely ground and on coastal sandy soils
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in-situ in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews