Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist

Anchusa azurea is one of the best plants to provide a hit of intense blue in the garden. The tall plants have a bristly, hairy texture rather like comfrey, while the flowers are held well above the leaves and shine out at the back of a border. It's a great choice for growing in a mixed herbaceous border or cottage garden. Its blooms are loved by bees.

Grow Anchusa azurea in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Stake plants and cut back stems after flowering in early autumn. Root cuttings can be taken from autumn to early winter and clumps divided in early spring, but it will self-seed freely.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes

Anchusa and wildlife

Anchusa is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Anchusa poisonous?

Anchusa has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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