Plants > Climbers

alkanet

Anchusa officinalis

Genus: Anchusa
Family: Boraginaceae
Common Names: oxtongue

About this plant

Typically biennial (occasionally perennial), producing many spikes of attractive blue flowers from mid-summer to first frost

Growing Information

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.5-1 Metres

Hardiness

H6

Foliage

Semi Evergreen

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Soil

ClayChalkLoamSandy

pH

AcidAlkaline

Not Currently Available

This plant is not currently stocked at any garden centres on our platform.

Neutral

Moisture

Poorly Drained

Aspect

West FacingSouth FacingEast Facing

Exposure

ShelteredExposed

Care Guide

Cultivation

Grow in any modrately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun

Pruning

Cut back old stems after flowering has finished

Propagation

Propagate by seed in late winter or early spring at 13-16C (55-61F). Root basal cuttings in spring or root cuttings in winter

Pests

Generally trouble free

Diseases

Can be prone to powdery mildew

Garden Uses

Planting Places

Outdoor

Season of Interest

SpringSummerAutumnWinter

Size & Characteristics

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.5-1 Metres

Habit

Bushy

Time to Full Height

Two To Five Years