Anchusa azurea Loddon Royalist

Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist', also known as Italian Bugloss, is a tall perennial herbaceous plant related to borage. It has broad hairy leaves and showcases long-lasting bunches of rare and intense, saturated blue flowers throughout spring and deep into summer, a colour not commonly seen in our gardens. This undemanding plant spreads rapidly and forms large clumps. An excellent subject for borders and pots, and an essential addition to cottage gardens.

Italian Bugloss belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea regions. It grows in temperate meadows in Asia and Europe. 'Loddon Royalist' is a shorter and more robust cultivar when compared to the wild species. This upright perennial can reach a height of 80 cm (32in) and a spread of 50 cm (20in) within two years of cultivation. Flowering begins in May and lasts until August. The fairly large blue flowers are nectar-rich and held in initially compact clusters that become more spread out in a terminal panicle. The corolla is 10 to 13 mm (1in) long. The entire plant has stiff spreading bristles and the stems are erect and branched. The leaves are oblong and lanceolate, entire, with the lower ones attached with a petiole, and the upper ones petiole-less.

Italian Bugloss naturally grows in fields and limestone slopes. Plant it in rich, deep, loose, neutral to alkaline, and well-drained soil. It is robust but has a shorter lifespan in heavy soils. It requires full sun and an open location, allowing enough space for its extensive root system. In very hot climates, partial shade preserves the flower's colour. It may require support. Remove faded flower stems to encourage reblooming. Divide every three years, in autumn or winter.

Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' shares the preference for rich and fairly heavy soil with borage. Create simple plant groups by combining them with phlox, carnations, goldenrods, mulleins, cosmos, daisies, chamomiles...