Description

Anchusa – Alkanet – Summer Forget-me-not

There are about 350 species of erect to spreading or mound forming annuals, biennials, and short lived perennials, in this genus.  They derive from sunny dry sites in temperate regions of Europe, Africa, and Western Asia.  It produces alternate linear to lance shaped to elliptic leaves sometimes with covering of bristly hairs. Grown for their tubular usually blue flowers, which are borne in terminal and axillary cymes over long spring and early summer season.  They do not fade easily.  The flowers attract bees.  Great for herbaceous border, container and rock gardens.

These frost hardy plants will grow in any moist but well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. Tall species may need staking.  In hot areas plant in partially shade helps maintain color.  Feed sparingly and water generously.  Leave plenty of room for roots to spread.  Cut back top growth after flowering to encourage the development of over wintering basal leaf growth.  Deadhead after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flush.  Most resent excessive winter moisture.  Divide perennials in winter.

Prone to rust, mildew, leaf scorch, basal rot, cutworms, chafer grubs, and vine weevil larvae eat roots.

Anchusa capensis ‘Blue Bird’ – This erect biennial usually grown as an annual grows 18” tall and in 6″ breadth.  It produces rough narrow lance shaped mid green, 5” long leaves covered with bristly hairs.  In summer it bears terminal open panicles of saucer shaped indigo-blue, white-throated flowers 3/8” across.

Zones 7-9