Intermediate
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Anchusa officinalis (Alkanet)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.4m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Anchusa officinalis
Other names
Alkanet, Common bugloss, Common anchusa
Genus
Anchusa Anchusa
Species
A. officinalis - A. officinalis is an upright perennial with hairy, lance-shaped leaves, hairy stems, and deep purple to blue flowers with white centres in summer through early autumn
Anchusa officinalis is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect, Upright
Flower
Blue in Summer; Blue in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf-mining sawflies Leaf-mining sawflies
Powdery mildew Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage a rosette of foliage.
Propagation methods
Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Anchusa officinalis (Alkanet) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Wildlife, Gravel
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Will perform best in dry, sandy sites.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Anchusa officinalis
Other names
Alkanet, Common bugloss, Common anchusa
Genus
Anchusa Anchusa
Species
A. officinalis - A. officinalis is an upright perennial with hairy, lance-shaped leaves, hairy stems, and deep purple to blue flowers with white centres in summer through early autumn
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Blue in Summer; Blue in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage a rosette of foliage.
Propagation methods
Seed, Root cuttings, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Anchusa officinalis (Alkanet) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Wildlife, Gravel
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Will perform best in dry, sandy sites.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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