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Herbaceous Perennial

Borago officinalis 'Alba'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A vigorous, upright, branching annual with hairy oval to lance-shaped dark grey to green leaves. Star-shaped white flowers appear on hollow stems from midsummer through to the autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus

Borago can be annuals or perennials, with coarsely hairy stems and simple leaves, with branched cymes of blue flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in any reasonably drained soil in sun or partial shade. Dislikes transplanting

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Leave to self-seed after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and leaf-mining flies

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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