Pentaglottis sempervirens
green alkanet
A coarse, bristly, tap-rooted perennial with a basal rosette of pointed, oval leaves up to 40cm long. Upright stems carrying smaller leaves, are topped with sprays of bright blue, forget-me-not flowers in spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pentaglottis are robust, evergreen perennials with bristly leaves and stems and small flowers resembling forget-me-nots
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, damp soil in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or root cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prevent self-seeding
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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