Trachystemon orientalis

RHS Plant Profile
early-flowering borage

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Other common names

Abraham-Isaac-Jacob, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Synonyms

Borago orientalis

Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming, Spreading branched
Genus
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