Anchusa azurea
Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 8
Light: sun
Form: Rounded/Oval
Height:  1 to 4 feet
Width:  2 to 3 feet
Flower Colors: one of the purest blues found in the garden
Bloom Time: late spring - summer
Special Features:
Beds/Borders
Flowers
Self-Sowing
Showy Flowers

This garden perennial, a cousin of the annual type, produces sprays of rich blue forget-me-not-like flowers from late spring to midsummer. These blooms appear in clusters on 3- to 4-foot multi-branched stems. Bugloss's foliage is coarse and rough, which, coupled with its height, are reason to use it in the back-of-the border or less-traveled spot. Plant bugloss in full sun in deep, loose, well-drained soil. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade is suggested. Staking is recommended especially in very fertile soil, which causes the plant to flop. Bugloss has the tendency to be short-lived; take cuttings or divide every two years.

Notable Varieties
'Dropmore' has deep blue flowers on plants up to 4 feet tall.
'Little John' grows only 12- to 15-inches tall.
'Loddon Royalist' is 3 feet tall with intense blue flowers.
'Royal Blue,' bears flowers royal blue flowers and is 3 feet tall.

Care
Plant in well-drained, average soil that is not too fertile. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Spent flowers should be removed to prolong blooming and prevent reseeding. Staking is recommended. Take root cuttings or divide every two years in spring or fall.

Planting
Sow seeds or transplant container-grown plants in the spring, spacing 24 inches apart. Take root cuttings or divide established bugloss in spring or fall.

Pests and Diseases
Bugloss is relatively trouble-free, but waterlogged winter soil may cause crown rot.