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Herbaceous Perennial
Trachystemon orientalis
early-flowering borage
Vigorous, quick growing, deciduous ground cover perennial for covering large shady areas. Bears large, bristly, heart-shaped leaves 10-50cm in diameter, with starry blue 'borage-style' flowers in clusters in spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming, Spreading branched
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Bulgaria, Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Makes useful ground cover in large spaces where it can roam freely, dry and shady included. Tolerates any soil except those that are waterlogged
Propagation
Propagate by division or by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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