blue bugloss
Anchusa azurea
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Climbing
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Deep blue to violet
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue bugloss (Anchusa azurea) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet soil of most types. Deep blue to violet flowers open in spring and again in summer, and bees visit the blooms. Deer and rabbits tend to browse other plants first. It grows fast and reaches 36 to 60 inches tall.
Pairs well with Nodding onion, Prairie dropseed, and Gardenia peony.
Native range
Northern Africa, western Asia, and southern Europe.