Bugloss
(Alkanet, Cape Forget-Me-Not)
Anchusa species. BORAGINACEAE.
Planting and Growing Bugloss
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow bugloss in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of bugloss
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for bugloss
- Season of bloom and planting time for bugloss
- When, how deep, and where to plant bugloss
- How to plant bugloss
- Watering, fertilizing, care and pests or diseases of bugloss
- Landscape and container uses of bugloss
- Comments about bugloss and its features
Growing Bugloss
About 35 species of erect or spreading annual and perennial herbs, 3–5 ft. (90–150 cm) tall. Alternate, hairy, textured, deep green, oval, pointed leaves, 3–4 in. (75–100 mm) long.
Commonly cultivated species include Anchusa azurea, Anchusa capensis, and Anchusa officinalis.
See also Siberian Bugloss, a distantly related species suitable for cold climates and very hardy, with similar care needs.
Planting and Care Guide
Blooms
Many bright blue, violet, white, forget-me-not-like, 5–petaled flowers, 1/2–in. (12–mm) wide, in drooping, terminal clusters, to 6 in. (15 cm) wide, in summer.
Best Climates
Zones 3–8, depending on species.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average–low. 6.0–7.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Spring in full sun to partial shade, 18–30 in. (45–75 cm) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep damp; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Avoid fertilizing. Stake tall species. Protect from wind. Propagate by cuttings, seed.
About This Plant
Good choice for backgrounds, borders, fencelines in formal, natural, woodland gardens. Good for cutting. Leafhopper and crown rot susceptible. Bugloss tends to be weedy and invasive and some species are prohibited plants in some governmental jurisdictions. Deadhead flowers after bloom to prevent seed spread.