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Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'

Also Known As

  • Dropmore Italian Alkanet

Plant type

perennial, annual / biennial

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' plant details

Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial or perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. 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, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, heirloom

GROWING CONDITIONS for Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tiers of intense deep blue flowers hang from the upright stems of this Mediterranean perennial in spring and summer. Plant in sun in deep, rich, well-drained soil with good watering but where conditions are not too wet in the winter.
Introduced in 1905, this variety has deep blue flower spikes. The name Anchusa means 'paint for the skin,' for its close relative A. tinctoria was the source of a commonly used rouge. Try it with garden heliotrope, roses and iris; you will love the intense blue. Late spring bloom. Well-drained soils.

Gardening facts about Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' plant

How to Grow Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • 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

See other plant types of Anchusa for your garden

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Anchusa leptophylla flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Alkanet, Italian Alkanet

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Anchusa azurea flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Anchusa azurea 'Blue Angel', Blue Angel Bugloss

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

7b-11

Size

Height: 10"-15"

Width: 10"-15"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Anchusa capensis 'Blue Angel' flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Anchusa azurea 'Feltham Pride' flower by Secret Garden Growers
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aka Cape Forget Me Not, Summer Forget Me Not

Plant Type

Perennial, Annual / Biennial

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 8"-15"

Width: 4"-8"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Anchusa capensis flower by Pat Hayward via Plant Select
View Plant

More Options

+4 more Anchusa
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