Overview

Trachystemon orientale is a perennial in the genus Trachystemon, part of the Boraginaceae family. Trachystemon orientale grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover and shade garden. It is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

About

Trachystemon orientale is a perennial in the borage family (Boraginaceae) that flowers in April to May. Native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, it is used in shade gardens as a ground cover. Plant it in partial shade or full shade on fertile, well-drained soil that remains moist and is neutral to alkaline. It is classed H5, meaning it is hardy in typical UK outdoor conditions.

About the genus

Trachystemon is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Boraginaceae. The only species is Trachystemon orientalis, commonly known as Abraham-Isaac-Jacob or early-flowering borage.

Wikipedia contributors, "Trachystemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trachystemon

In the garden

Trachystemon orientale is a perennial member of the Boraginaceae native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, valued for its early spring flowering in April to May. It is suited to shady parts of the garden where other spring-flowering plants may be slow to start. Establish it in partial shade or shade on fertile, well-drained soil that retains moisture and leans neutral to alkaline in pH. Regular moisture is important; do not let the soil dry out completely, but avoid waterlogged sites. The UK hardiness rating H5 indicates the plant is hardy and can be left outdoors through winter without winter protection in most locations. Use Trachystemon orientale as a ground cover beneath trees, along shaded paths or in north-facing borders where moisture and soil pH meet its needs. Its April to May flowering window provides early-season interest in areas of the garden that remain shaded later in spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Trachystemon

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

well-drained, fertile

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Trachystemon orientale size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

groundcover, shade garden

Native to

Eastern Europe, Western Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Trachystemon orientale

Cultivation

Prefers humus-rich, moist soil in shaded or semi-shaded positions; can be invasive if unchecked.

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to control spread.

Propagation

division, seed

Frequently asked questions