About
Pentaglottis sempervirens, the green alkanet, is a coarse, bristly, tap-rooted perennial with a basal rosette of pointed, oval leaves to 40 cm long. Upright stems with smaller leaves are topped with sprays of bright-blue, forget-me-not flowers in spring and early summer. A bold wildflower for a semi-shaded border or wild garden � self-seeds freely.
About the genus
Pentaglottis are robust, evergreen perennials with bristly leaves and stems and small, bright-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in spring and early summer. Native to southwest Europe and naturalised in parts of Britain.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, damp soil in full or partial shade. Supports a range of wildlife, but can spread too enthusiastically and has the potential to become a nuisance. See green alkanet for more advice
PruningDeadhead to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed, division or root cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free