Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'
alkanet
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of Growth: Average
- Flowering period: June to August
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
The vibrant, deep blue flowers of Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' create a dazzling display throughout the summer - and the edible petals look wonderful if sprinkled into salads or frozen into ice cubes and then popped into summer drinks. Alkanet also makes a great companion plant for perennials with rich plum or purple-toned flowers - and as the flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators, it's a must-have for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Dead head after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers. In early autumn cut the stems back down to the ground.
Surface sow the seeds onto the top of seed trays filled with good seed compost, pressing them in gently before watering well. Keep warm under glass until germination (usually 3 - 4 weeks later) and pot on when large enough to handle. Gradually acclimatise before planting out after frost. Late sowing can be done direct into a well-prepared bed outside.