Anchusa Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Anchusa plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Bugloss, Summer forget-me-not, & Alkanet: Cultivation & Garden Use

Some common names for the Hardy annual, biennial or perennial Anchusa plant include Summer forget-me-not, Alkanet, Bugloss, Italian Bugloss, Dyer's Bugloss and Cape forget me not.

The name Bugloss is Latin for Ox en Tongue and refers to the fact that the leaves are covered in small bristly hairs.

Anchusa capensis photograph by Eric in SF.

Latin names include Anchusa officinalis, Anchusa azurea, Anchusa capensis and Anchusa arvensis.

They typically flower from the middle of summer until the end of summer.

Description of Anchusa species

Anchusa are diverse plants; they may be either deciduous or evergreen. Some plants form mat like coverage, yet others grow upright.

Anchusa plants have very intense flowers of deep blue; they are often tubular in nature, (the Egyptian Alkanet is an exception having pale yellow flowers).

As a consequence of the plants variations in height they can have many uses in the garden, smaller plants are often used in gaps between crazy paving, whilst the bigger species can be used towards the back of a border.

G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Smithsonian Institution, Department of Systematic Biology-Botany.

Information on Anchusa and commonly grown garden species

The Anchusa genus contains around 40 species. The plants are native to Europe, Africa and Asia; they also thrive on other continents where they have been introduced.

This genera of plants are a member of the Boraginaceae family; this large family consists of around 2000 species and is commonly referred to as the forget-me-not or Borage family. Therefore some of the closely related species to Anchusa include Borage (Borago), Siberian bugloss (Brunnera), Forget me not (Myosotis) and Green Alkanet (Pentaglottis).

Although the genus seems to be large-ranging, especially with regards to plant life cycles, all members share common features:

Anchusa are herbaceous plants that have a covering of bristly hairs. The foliage consists of single leaves (simple) that may be undulated. Plants carry numerous symmetrical five petaled flowers that are usually a deep sapphire blue color.

Some of the species of Anchusa that are commonly grown in gardens include.

(Common) Bugloss, (True) Alkanet, Corn Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)
Summer Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis)
Annual Bugloss (Anchusa arvensis)
Egyptian Alkanet (Anchusa aegyptiaca)
False Alkanet, Barrelier's Bugloss (Anchusa barrelieri)
Italian Bugloss (Anchusa azurea)
Undulate Alkanet (Anchusa undulata)

Anchusa azurea (Italian Bugloss) by Nicolas Gent.

How to Grow Bugloss, Alkanet and Other Anchusa species

It is best to plant Anchusa just below the soil surface, with a spacing of 25 to 30 cm for smaller species and 45 to 75 cm apart for larger species.

Annual varieties should be planted in the early spring whereas perennials should be planted in after the last frost of spring.

Annual Anchusa prefer brightly sunlit conditions whilst perennials can grow in partly shady to full sunlit conditions.

The soil should be moist and ideally have a pH between 6 and 7.

Anchusa requires between one and four weeks to germinate. When starting plants off from seed indoors, the seeds should be planted six to eight weeks in advance of when they are due to be put outside; ideally after the last frost of spring.

How to Care for Anchusa

Easy to look after, but wear gloves when handling to prevent hairs penetrating the skin. Dead head flowers to encourage further blooming. Propagate by stem rooting.

Specific Information on Anchusa plants

Cape / Summer Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis)

Summer forget me not's are annuals that reach an height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45cm). Although they are a little weed-like in appearance the plants carry bright blue flowers that can help to liven up a garden in spring and the early months of summer.

Ideally they should be grown in full sunlight with a spacing of around 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), though they look quite attractive when grown in clumps. Sow the seeds just below the surface prior to the last expected frost in your area.

As both the seeds and the hairs on the stem may prove irritating to the skin be sure to wear gloves whenever handling Anchusa capensis. The plant can spread very easily, be sure to deadhead flowers, both to encourage further blooming and to prevent seed spread; be aware that the seeds are known to stick to one's clothes.

Italian Bugloss (Anchusa azurea)

These perennials reach an height of 18 to 30 inches (45 to 90cm) and make ideal plants for alpine and rock gardens.

They should be planted about 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) apart in a sunny part of the garden that as a soil of pH 5.5 to 7. They bloom from the middle of Summer through to Autumn with blue flowers. As with other Anchusa species wear gloves when handling the plants as they can irritate the skin. Beware that these plants grow large tap roots and can be difficult to remove from the garden.

(Common) Bugloss, (True) Alkanet, Corn Bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)

These plants can be biennial or perennial in nature and reach a height of between 12 and 36 inches (30 to 90cm). Anchusa officinalis plants can be be grown in full sunlight or partially shaded condition.

They bloom from late spring through to Autumn with flowers of blue through to purple.

These plants are listed as a noxious weed in the states of Washington and Oregon. This plant can cause skin irritations be sure to wear gloves when working with it.

Common Questions

How many members does the Anchusa genus have?

The Anchusa genus includes around 40 species.

Do members of Anchusa make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Anchusa is appreciated for its vibrant blue flowers. It works well in cottage-style gardens and mixed borders.

Which Anchusa species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Anchusa azurea, also known as Italian Bugloss, is one of the most commonly grown species in this genus.

Are members of the Anchusa fragrant?

Anchusa plants are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Anchusa?

Anchusa prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates poor soil and drought once established.

Is Anchusa invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Anchusa is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Anchusa from my garden?

Removal can be done by digging up the plants, ensuring to get all roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Anchusa genus, commonly known as Alkanet or Bugloss, consists of perennial plants with vibrant blue or purple flowers. Native to Europe and Western Asia, Anchusa plants are admired for their attractive blooms and hairy foliage. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun exposure. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and flowering.

Cultivating Anchusa is relatively straightforward as they are low-maintenance plants. These plants can be propagated through seeds or division. Anchusa species are commonly used in cottage gardens, borders, or wildflower meadows, adding a burst of color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their vibrant flowers and unique foliage make Anchusa a striking addition to any garden, creating a visual spectacle and contributing to biodiversity.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Anagallis. You may also enjoy the following Boraginaceae family growing guides: How to grow Golden Drop, Echium and Heliotropium plants.