Description
Borago –
There are about 3 species of generally erect annuals and short lived perennials, in this genus. They occur in rocky places in Europe, and the Mediterranean. They have hairy stems that carry simple, alternate, lance shaped, roughly hairy leaves. In late spring it bears nodding, starry, purple-blue or white flowers carried in branching cymes in late spring. Flowers are a rich source of nectar and are popular with bee keepers.
Grow in any light, moist, well drained soil in full sun. Can become invasive.
Prone to powdery mildew, and snails.
B. officinalis – Borage – Cool-tankeard – Tale Wort – This robust, freely branching annual herb from Europe grows 24-30″ tall and 18″ wide. It produces lance shaped to ovate, bristly, dull basal leaves and stalkless, lance shaped stem leaves, to 6″ long. Over a long period in spring and summer it bears branched cymes of 5 petaled, star shaped, bright blue flowers, to 1″ across. Raw leaves are used in salads and cool drinks or cooked with vegetables and the edible flowers have long been used to decorate salads. Good for dry areas, in well drained soil in full light.
Zones 5-10
