Intense blue is a scarce colour in the flower garden, but anchusa is one of the best plants to provide it. 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.
Anchusa 'Loddon Royalist' has strong tough stems and does not need staking, making it a useful alternative to delphiniums. Avoid moving plants after they have become established – anchusa grows well from root cuttings and you will probably find it difficult to eradicate fragments from the original site. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
Divide
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
yes
yes
yes
Anchusa ‘Loddon royalist’ and wildlife
Anchusa ‘Loddon royalist’ 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 ‘Loddon royalist’ poisonous?
Anchusa ‘Loddon royalist’ has no toxic effects reported.
