Family: Boraginaceae
Common Name: Bugloss, Alkanet

Found naturally in Europe, western Asia and northern and southern Africa, this genus comprises both annuals and perennials which make very pretty borders and container plants. Most species have gray-green hairy leaves and small blue flowers.

Species

A. azurea is a hardy perennial with large, coarse, hairy leaves and hundreds of small, round, brilliant blue flowers during the early summer. It grows to 1 m (3 ft). Cultivars, such as 'Loddon Royalist' and 'Morning Glory' produce flowers in various shades of blue, from pale to a very rich deep blue.

Cultivation

Plant in well-drained garden soil in full sun. Anchusas are often self-seeding, but can also be propagated by division or root cuttings if true types are required.

Climate

Very hardy; suitable for zone 3 and above.