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Annual BiennialHerbs - Culinary
Borago officinalis

borage
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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 affected by powdery mildews
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