Anchusa azurea Dropmore

Anchusa azurea Dropmore, also sometimes called Anchusa italica or, more simply, Italian alkanet or blue bugloss, is a deciduous perennial that offers beautiful flowers in early summer in the form of small blue stars which turn purple. It is easy to grow and stunning in a cottage-style border.

Native to southern Europe, Anchusa azurea grows spontaneously around the Mediterranean. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family.

With this family, Italian alkanet shares a deciduous, villous foliage composed of large lanceolate leaves. It flowers in summer (from June to July) in the form of star-shaped flowers grouped in panicles. The Dropmore variety stands out for the intensity of its colour: a magnificent vivid blue that turns purple over time. Attractive to bees and butterflies, it will bring joy to your garden.

It is a plant with a bushy habit, reaching an average height of 90 cm (35in) and a width of 60 cm.

Perennial but only moderately hardy, down to approximately -7 °, it appreciates full sun and an open location. Ideally, you should plant it in rich, deep, loose, neutral to chalky, well-drained soil, allowing space for its extensive root system.

It is a robust perennial, but with a short lifespan in heavy soil. In very hot climates, partial shade will help preserve the colour of its flowers.

In terms of maintenance, stake it if necessary and remove faded flower stems to encourage a second blooming. Divide every three years, in autumn or winter.

This is an easy-going plant that will work well in informal gardens, such as English or cottage gardens, alongside other perennials like indigo lupins, delphiniums, tall goldenrod, or ornamental garlic.