Borago officinalis

RHS Plant Profile
borage

Other common names

cool tankard, tailwort, talewort

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial Herbs - Culinary

A large, branched annual with coarsely hairy, ovate leaves and branched cymes of starry, bright blue flowers 2cm across over a long period in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
Spreading branched
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
Europe

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
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Leave to self-seed after flowering

Pests

Foliage may be damaged by slugs and leaf-mining flies

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews