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Anchusa officinalis

Also Known As

Anchusa officianalis
Alkanet
Common Bugloss

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 1'-3'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Anchusa officinalis plant details

Anchusa officinalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Anchusa officinalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Anchusa officinalis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Okay, confession: I'm a sucker for anything with blue flowers. And this has got 'em, a deep, bright electric blue that is impossible to photograph accurately. Absolutely gorgeous. Plants reach about 2 feet in height with long, narrow, coarse hairy leaves. Zone 5

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Garden photo gallery of Anchusa officinalis

Photo of Anchusa officinalis flower by Kurt Stueber

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By: Kurt Stueber

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

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Gardening facts about Anchusa officinalis plant

How to Grow Anchusa officinalis

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in summer
Soil Needs
- clay
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- blue
Wildlife
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- snail / slug resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Texture
- fuzzy