Evergreen bugloss
Pentaglottis sempervirens

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Pentaglottis sempervirens is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Damp shady places or by roads and in hedges near the sea.

W. Europe. Possibly native to S.W. England.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Flowers - raw. They have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture and are mainly used as an ornament in fruit drinks and salads.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Prefers a moist humus rich soil in light dappled shade or full shade but also succeeds in full sun. Hardy to at least -10°c. Plants can self-sow to the point of nuisance. The tap-root is brittle and resprouts readily making eradication difficult. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root .

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as soon as possible in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring. Alternatively, if you have sufficient seed, it can be sown in spring in situ. Division or root cuttings in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedgerow;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Green alkanet

Synonyms

Anchusa sempervirens.