My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Bugloss

Anchusa officinalis · Boraginaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant bugloss: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
May to July
Adult size
60 to 100 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Approximately -15°C
Origin
Mediterranean region and southern Europe
Soil type
Well-drained, chalky or neutral

Care

Light exposure

Plant your bugloss in full sun for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Choose an airy, bright location to minimize fungal issues.

Watering

Water regularly during the growing and flowering period, especially during dry spells. Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant thanks to its deep root system. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes disease.

Soil and drainage

Bugloss prefers well-drained soil that is chalky or slightly acidic. It adapts well to poor or stony soils. Insufficient drainage in winter can cause root rot.

Pruning and cutting

Remove spent flowers as they fade to encourage prolonged flowering. Light pruning after flowering can promote a more compact form. In autumn, you can clean up dry stems.

Fertilizing

Bugloss is not demanding. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and diseases

This plant is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in stagnant humidity and aphids that may colonize young shoots. Good drainage and adequate aeration are often sufficient to prevent problems.

Did you know?

Bugloss was once used in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed invigorating properties. Its name "Anchusa" comes from the Greek "anchousa" meaning "to dye," as its roots produced a purple dye used in medieval dyeing. Its bright blue flowers attract pollinators en masse, particularly bees, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

Add this plant to my garden →

Plants from the same family

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.