Species blue bugloss
Bright blue flowers on maroon stems with tiny green leaves.

blue bugloss

Anchusa azurea

The blue bugloss is an absolutely stunning flower that is sure to make an impression. Its attractive, deep-azure petals and white centres create an eye-catching contrast that is sure to impress. It also blooms continuously throughout the summer, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Growing 3-4 feet tall and even up to 5ft, the vivid colour of the blooms will draw pollinators from all around. The bugloss is native to much of Europe and is considered an easy-care perennial. Once established, it doesn't require much maintenance, allowing gardeners more time to enjoy the beauty of their creation.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Deep blue to violet Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

blue,purple,azure Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,azure

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For healthy growth and flowering of blue bugloss, it needs to be watered regularly. Water the plant deeply twice a week (every 3-4 days), during the growing season, making sure the soil is completely saturated. In hotter conditions water more frequently. Reduce the amount of water in cool to mild temperatures to avoid root rot. During winter reduce watering to once a month, allowing the soil to become almost dry between each watering.

sunlight

Blue bugloss is an herbaceous perennial plant that needs full sun to part shade in order to thrive. The plant prefers 6-8 hours of bright sunlight every day and can tolerate some light afternoon shade. However, during the hottest parts of the day, the plant should be provided with some shade to prevent sun damage. When grown in hotter climates, blue bugloss should be provided with some afternoon shade to ensure the plant thrives.

pruning

Blue bugloss should be pruned annually in the late summer or early autumn. To maintain a neat and attractive shape, lightly trim the plant to reduce the overall size once flowering is done. Deadheading the flowers (removing the flowers as they fade) is important to ensure that the plant maintains its energy for bloom. If needed, trim each stem down to the source, as it will help to promote thick, bushy growth. Avoid cutting into the woody area of the stems as this may kill the plant. Renewal pruning (removing the oldest stems) may be done every 3-4 years to keep the plant vigorous and to stimulate blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Anchusa azurea typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Anchusa azurea typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Anchusa azurea is typically harvested in the months of June, July, and August.

Hardiness Map