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Borago officinalis
Borage
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Flowers | Yes |
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Key Information
- Botanical name: Borago officinalis
- Common name: Borage
- Plant type: Annual
Height: 60cm
Spread: 45cm
- Features: Attractive to wildlife, Flowers
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To ancient Greeks and Romans borage, Borago officinalis, was a potent medicinal herb guaranteeing courage in battle. Now, though, these casually sprawling plants are more grown for their ornamental and culinary value. Their open blue flowers add colour and flavour to summer drinks, while the young leaves are sometimes included in salads.
Borage flowers are particularly attractive to bees – after a bee has visited a flower it refills with nectar within two minutes, making borage a great pollinator-friendly plant for a small garden.
Grow Borago officinalis in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Allow plants to self-seed before cutting down.
Position
- Sun exposure: Full sun, Dappled shade
- Aspect: South facing, West facing
- Position in border: Middle
- Hardiness: Half hardy
- Soil type: Well drained/light/sandy, Clay/heavy/moist, Chalky/alkaline, Acidic
Wildlife
- Wildlife features: Nectar/pollen rich flowers
Care routine
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Sow | Yes |
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Plant | Yes |
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Toxicity
-
Effects: Purgative if ingested
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