Anchusa azurea
garden anchusa
A herbaceous perennial to 90cm with coarsely-hairy, lance-shaped, mostly basal leaves. Bright gentian-blue flowers, aging to blue-purple, are borne on erect, branching stems
Synonyms
Anchusa italica
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Anchusa can be erect or spreading perennials, biennials or annuals with hairy or bristly foliage and cymes of tubular or salver-shaped, usually blue flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Africa, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives in moist soils but dislikes winter wet. May need staking
Propagation
Propagate by seed, root cuttings or by softwood cuttings from the base of young shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage overwintering rosettes of foliage
Pests
May be susceptible to leaf-mining flies
Diseases
May be infected by powdery mildews
Get involved
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