Anchusa

( an - KEW - suh )

At-A-Glance Information

Also called Alkanet or Bugloss, this genus of annuals, biennials, and perennials needs full sun and moderate water. They are strong growers, related to Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis). Vibrant sapphire-blue flowers bloom in late spring through summer. Easy to grow, these simply need to be planted in well-drained soil and cut back after bloom to encourage a second showing of blue flowers. In areas with high humidity, growth may be a bit stunted. The flowers will attract bees and butterflies to your garden, and are edible, making a great, colorful garnish for salads, drinks, and other dishes. Anchusa is native to Europe, North Africa, South Africa, and western Asia, and has naturalized in areas of the United States. Use Anchusa in mixed beds or borders, or allow it to naturalize in open areas of the landscape.

Anchusa Species and Varietals

The genus Anchusa is comprised of about 35 species and is a member of the Boraginaceae (Borage) family. There are four subgenera in the genus Anchusa: Buglossum, Buglossoides, Buglosellum, and Anchusa. Anchusa growing zones vary by species; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Anchusa arvensis (Alkanet, Field Bugloss, Annual Bugloss, Small Bugloss)
This annual species reaches about 1.5 feet tall and has small, blue, tubular flowers. Leaves have many bristles, and look as though they have warts, differentiating this species from otherwise similar-looking ones. Alkanet is native to Europe, and prefers growing in field margins, sandy heaths, and disturbed ground. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4a-8b, and are considered invasive weeds in North America.

Anchusa azurea (Anchusa italica) (Italian Bugloss, Garden Anchusa)
This perennial grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and is native to the Mediterranean. It has an open, spreading habit 3-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Leaves are covered with bristly hairs, and clusters of bright blue flowers bloom for a long period in summertime. Bloom continues into fall if conditions are favorable. Popularly-grown varieties include 'Dropmore', 'Opal', and 'Loddon Royalist', each with varying shades of blue flowers.

Anchusa barrelieri (Barrelier's Bugloss, False Alkanet)
This species is not commonly grown in gardens, and therefore is not widely commercially grown for sale. These plants reach up to 1-2 feet tall at maturity when in bloom, and are native to southeastern Europe. Flowers are blue-purple with light centers and bloom in spring and summertime. This species is considered an invasive weed outside of its native range, spreading aggressively in gardens and agricultural areas.

Anchusa capensis (Summer Forget-Me-Not, Cape Forget-Me-Not, Vergeet-My-Nietjie)
This is a biennial plant in USDA hardiness zones 7b-11 or Sunset growing zones 6-24 and is grown as an annual elsewhere. Native to South Africa, where it can be seen growing along roadways, this species reaches to 1.5 feet tall and just 8 inches wide at maturity. Bright blue flowers with white throats bloom in clusters. These plants prefer dry, sandy soils and can be weedy, but the blooms are a great addition to any garden. They are considered invasive in Europe and North America.

Anchusa crispa (Buglosse Crepue, Crisped Bugloss, Sardinian-Corsican Bugloss, Buglossa Sardo-Corsa)
This species is native to France and Italy, and grows in dry, disturbed soils and along roadways. These plants are low-growing, typically forming a flat rosette of foliage. The species is considered endangered due to habitat loss (human development in its native range), and therefore does not have an established USDA growing range.

Anchusa officinalis (Common Bugloss, Common Alkanet)
This hardy biennial to short-lived perennial species is a powerhouse when it comes to providing food for local pollinators. It provides both nectar and pollen for visiting insects, and is actually rated in the top 10 nectar-producing plants. Flowers are purple to blue and bloom in spring and summer. Foliage is green and hairy. This species is native to Europe and grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Considered invasive in the United States and Canada.

Anchusa sempervirens (Pentaglottis sempervirens) Green Alkanet, Evergreen Bugloss, Alkanet)
This species, once in the Anchusa genus, is now sometimes categorized under its own genus, Pentaglottis, for which it is the type species. It is native to southwestern Europe, and blooms in early spring to summer. Blue flowers open from pink buds. These plants love growing in woods, and in damp, shaded areas close to buildings or other structures. It is considered a weed in some areas of the world, and is labeled as invasive in several regions, including Washington, Oregon, and California. Best in USDA zones 3-8.

Anchusa strigosa (Strigose Bugloss, Prickly Alkanet, Striped Alkanet, Lisan Al-Thawr, Balghasoun, Himhim)
This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean, where it grows in heavy soils, woodlands, shrub-steppe environments, and in sandy and chalkstone habitats. It is often a bit straggly-looking, and is therefore not commonly cultivated in gardens. Individual plants reach up to 3.5 feet tall or more. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b.

Caring for Anchusa

Anchusa, or Bugloss, plants can be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery or grown from seed (direct-sown or started indoors). Plant Bugloss 6-12 inches apart. Before planting, ensure that the species chosen is not considered an invasive in the area. Anchusas are relatively easy-care plants that need full sun (between 6 and 8 hours each day) to light shade. In warmer climates, make sure they are protected from direct sun in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. Ensure that soil is well-draining and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Bugloss actually performs better in poor soils over rich ones; they tend to get leggy and flop over when in soil that is too nutrient-rich. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are drought-tolerant, getting by on rainwater alone for most of the year. During extended periods of drought or hot weather, provide supplemental irrigation.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Bugloss plants are not heavy feeders, and this will be enough to get them through their active growing and flowering seasons. The only pruning that is needed for these plants is to control growth, improve shape and remove spent flower heads. Deadheading can clean up the look of the plant as well as discourage self-sowing activities; it will also encourage more flowers to bloom. With maturity, these plants may get a little leggy and top-heavy and might need to be staked. Pruning can also create a more bush-like, compact habit, negating the need for staking. Bugloss flowers can be annual, biennial, or perennial. Annuals and biennials are removed after they produce flowers and composted, replaced in the next growing season with new plants. Perennial species, on the other hand, can last for many years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Anchusa is most easily propagated via seed or division. Keep in mind that the Anchusa plant you get from seed may not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant; if you'd like an exact clone of a Bugloss plant, choose to propagate by division. Annual and biennial plants should be propagated by seed instead of division. To propagate your Bugloss flowers, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Anchusa by Seed

Harvest seeds in summer or fall, after flowers have had ample time to be pollinated. Seed pods developing in the place of the flowers, and once these have dried and begun to open, they can be harvested. Collect as many as you can, as they will probably not all germinate, and the ones that do will be of varying characteristics, especially in the case of hybrid-variety seeds.
To propagate by seed, you will need a pot or tray filled with potting soil, a spray bottle and a fork. Gather the materials, and then water filled pots to ensure that adequate draining is taking place. Put seeds on the top of the soil in groups of three, spaced about 8 inches apart.
Cover the seeds with potting soil and keep the soil moist but not wet by spraying it with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging them. Place the tray of seeds in a warm area (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 21-28 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, or thin them in a larger pot so that they are spaced about 6-12 inches apart. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling. Continue potting up as the plants grow to give them enough space for their roots.
Keep the seedlings' potting medium moist, but not wet. Keep it in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new propagated Bugloss.

Propagating Anchusa by Division
Division is probably the easiest way to propagate these plants. This is something that needs to be done whether or not you are looking to propagate; otherwise, the roots will become too crowded. Division should be attempted only when the plant is not in its active blooming period, and is only necessary to complete with perennial species. To use this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil. To propagate your Anchusa by division, follow the instructions below:

Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, lay it out on its side.
Divide the clump into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw, as many as you'd like as long as there are at least a few shoots per segment. Inspect each segment to ensure health and lay them out on the ground.
If you will be planting your Anchusa in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with soil that is well-draining. If you have issues with drainage in your garden, amend with compost or sand before planting. Backfill and water generously.
If you are transporting your division elsewhere, or hanging on to it until you're ready to plant it, you'll need your pot filled with potting soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil. Water generously, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground.