Anchusa azurea explained

Anchusa azurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, known by the common names garden anchusa and Italian bugloss (or just "bugloss"). This bristly herbaceous perennial may reach tall and wide.[1] It has straight lance-shaped leaves and petite tubular flowers about 15 millimeters across with five bright violet-blue petals.[2] These flowers, which typically appear in May–July, are edible and attract bees.[3] This species is native to Europe, western Asia, and eastern Maghreb.[4]

The genus name Anchusa comes from the Greek 'ankousa', which is the name of a root pigment once used for cosmetic purposes.[5]

Numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, including 'Dropmore', 'Feltham Pride', 'Little John', 'Loddon Royalist' and 'Opal'.

In the US it is suitable for hardiness zones 3–8. It grows best in full sun with good drainage, and is drought tolerant once established.[6] It may be susceptible to leafminer and powdery mildew.[7]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist'. 2021-04-28. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. en.
  2. Web site: Buy Anchusa azurea Loddon Royalist AGM Perennials. 2021-04-28. Burford Garden Company. en.
  3. Web site: Anchusa azurea Loddon Royalist'. 2021-04-28. Sarah Raven. en.
  4. http://ww2.bgbm.org/EuroPlusMed/query.asp The Euro+Med PlantBase - the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity
  5. Web site: 2019-03-27. How to Grow Anchusa (Anchusa Azurea, Dropmore Flower, Italian Bugloss). 2021-04-28. Gardening Channel. en-US.
  6. Web site: Anchusa azurea (Italian Bugloss). 2021-04-28. Gardenia.net.
  7. Web site: Anchusa (Bugloss). 2021-04-28. www.seasonalgardening.co.uk. en.