Description
Alkanna
There are about 40 species of annuals or evergreen perennial in this genus. These natives to South Europe and North West Africa to Iran are sporadical grown. Bears basal tufts of alternate leaves that have smooth edges and hairy 3-6” leaves. Leafy stems branch at the top into many one sided spikes of funnel shaped of blue or white flowers in early summer.
They’ll tolerate dry conditions and will thrive in dry sunny locations in poor soil and are very frost hardy.
Indoors grow in very gritty potting mix.
Prone to aphids and spider mites.
Alkanna tinctoria – Alkanet – Dyer’s Bugloss – Spanish Bugloss – This perennial is native to Mediterranean region and Central Europe grows 12” tall. It bears dull oblong hairy almost prickle leaves and purplish blue funnel shaped flowers. The tap root of this species contains red sap used to color food, beverage and as dye.
Zones 5-9
