Borago pygmaea

RHS Plant Profile
slender borage

Other common names

bell-flowered borage

Synonyms

Borago laxiflora
Anchusa laxiflora
Borago laxifolia

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A rosette-forming herbaceous perennial which is short-lived. Hairy, dark green leaves can be oval to lance shaped and loose clusters of pale blue bell-shaped flowers are produced on slim stems from early summer through to the autumn. Leaves can be used to flavour food or drinks

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Borago can be annuals or perennials, with coarsely hairy stems and simple leaves, with branched cymes of blue flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Corsica, Sardinia

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