Blue bugloss (Anchusa azurea), also known as Italian bugloss, is a strikingly beautiful herbaceous perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family, which includes many popular garden plants such as forget-me-nots and borage.
The blue bugloss is known for its stunning deep blue flowers, which are borne on tall, upright stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The flowers are funnel-shaped, and each petal is pointed at the tip, giving the blooms a star-like appearance. The flowers bloom in early to mid-summer and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
The leaves of the blue bugloss are long, narrow, and slightly hairy, and they grow in a basal rosette. The plant itself is generally low-growing and forms a clump of foliage that is about a foot in diameter.
Blue bugloss is a hardy plant that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in hot and dry conditions.
