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Beginner
skill rating |
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0.5m
max. spread |
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1m
max. height |
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1-2 years
to maturity |
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2 hours care
per year |
Botanical name: Borago officinalis
Other names: Borage, Cool tankard, Talewort, Tailwort
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Genus: Borago
Species: B. officinalis - B. officinalis is a large, branched annual with coarse, hairy, ovate leaves which lie flat against the ground. From mid-summer to autumn, hollow stems arise, producing branched cymes of starry, bright blue flowers.
Borago officinalis is: Deciduous
Flower: Blue in Summer
Foliage: Grey-green in Summer
Habit: Clump-forming, Erect, Branching
Companion planting: Borage works well with other herbs and old fashioned roses.
Plant with:
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (English lavender 'Hidcote'), Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group (Rosemary Prostratus Group), Lavandula angustifolia 'Imperial Gem' (English lavender 'Imperial Gem'), Lavandula dentata 'Royal Crown' (Lavender 'Royal Crown'), Lavandula angustifolia 'Loddon Pink' (English lavender 'Loddon Pink'), Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba' (English lavender 'Nana Alba'), Lavandula pedunculata subsp. pedunculata (French lavender)
Borago officinalis (Borage) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.
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Suggested uses: Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Wildlife
Cultivation: Grow in any reasonably drained soil in sun or partial shade. Plant in the right place as it dislikes transplanting.
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| Soil types: |
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |
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| Soil drainage: |
Well-drained |
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| Soil pH: |
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
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| Light: |
Partial Shade, Full Sun |
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| Aspect: |
South, East, West |
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| Exposure: |
Exposed, Sheltered |
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| Hardiness: |
Hardy (H4) |
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Discuss Borago officinalis (Borage) with other Shoot members.
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Comment from
Amanda
Does Borage self-seed or will I need to replant every year?
- Views: 161
- Replies: 2
- Posted: Tue. 1st June 2010 10:57
- Last reply: Mon. 7th June 2010 13:32
Comment from
Miriam Mesa-Villalba
Flowers can be added to salads and to summer drinks, especially Pimms, which the slightly cucumbery taste of borage matches perfectly! Borage is extremely attractive to bees. The plant was used medicinally to drive out fever.
- Views: 205
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Fri. 15th May 2009 19:49
We list 10 suppliers who tell us they sell Borago officinalis (Borage). In order to see the list you'll need to either register or log in as a full member.
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