Italian bugloss Anchusa azurea

Anchusa azurea, or Alkanet, is a flowering, bristly, short-lived, perennial. In its native Europe, it is often found on the sides of arable fields, waste places, roadsides and stony hills. The small, bright blue flowers of Alkanet are borne in loose clusters or cymes from late spring to mid-summer. 

The plant will grow best in full sun, but you should provide some afternoon shade during the hot summer months, and it tolerates heavy clay soil. It prefers moist, well-drained, soil, but established plants will tolerate drought.  Some taller plants may need to be staked for support. This plant is not drought tolerant and mulching around the plant base will aid in retaining moisture. The mulch will also provide protection for the plant after the bloom season has ended. Cut back the plants at the end of the season and assure that the roots (but not the crown) are protected by mulch. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.

This plant will self-seed and has a reputation for being weedy. Under the right conditions such as deep, rich, fertile soil, it can become invasive. Self-seeding, if not dealt with, can also lead to an invasion of new plants. Deadheading will help to eliminate this tendency as well as prolong the bloom period.   

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

No known disease or pest issues, however, crown rot is an issue for this plant.