Description
Hardy, herbaceous, spring flowering perennial
Description: Produces airy, small, vivid blue "forget-me-not" flowers with large, dark green, heart-shaped foliage
Habit: Grows to 18" high and 24" wide
Culture: Prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil and partial shade; rich garden loam
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
Origin: Caucasus
This elegant perennial, formerly known as Anchusa myosotifolia, was introduced into Britain from the Western Caucasus in 1713, but not into America for another century. It is a member of the Borage family and related to garden comfrey and medicinal bugloss, which are discussed extensively in the herbals of Gerard, Parkinson, and Culpeper. This hardy species makes a good groundcover in shady borders and can be established in open woodlands. In 1890 New York nurseryman Peter Henderson wrote that the Anchusas are "suitable for deep shrubbery borders or any unfrequented place".
