Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist'
azurea
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moist, fertile, well-drained
- Rate of growth: vigorous
- Flowering period: June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Sturdy stems of deep blue summer flowers, turning blue-purple with age, appear in early summer above rosettes of mid-green leaves. This large blue alkanet makes a striking and long-lasting statement in a sunny border and does not need staking. The flowers are attractive to bees, too. - Garden care: Anchusas don’t like wet soil. Deadhead after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers and in early autumn cut the stems back down to the ground.