Anchusa 'Blue Angel' (*Anchusa capensis*) is a Hardy Annual / Short-lived Perennial.

It is distinct from the tall, perennial *Anchusa azurea* ('Dropmore'). 'Blue Angel' is a compact variety (approx 45cm) treated as a bedding plant. It belongs to the Borage family, sharing the same hairy stems and incredible nectar production that pollinators love.

The "Cape" Connection: Originating from the Cape of South Africa, it is built for dry, sandy conditions, making it an excellent choice for gravel gardens or rockeries.

Anchusa has a taproot, so it prefers not to be disturbed once established.

Germination:
Sow indoors from March to May, or direct sow outdoors in May when the soil is warm. If sowing indoors, use deep modules to accommodate the taproot. Cover seeds lightly. Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
It needs full sun. It hates heavy, waterlogged clay. It thrives in poor, sandy, or gritty soil. Do not over-feed it, or you will get lots of leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Care While Growing:
The "Chop": After the first flush of flowers has faded, shear the plant back hard and water well. It will often reward you with a second flush of blooms in late summer/autumn.

The intense blue of Anchusa needs a bright contrast to stop it disappearing against the soil:

• 🧡 Californian Poppy (Orange): The Complementary Clash. Blue and Orange are opposites on the colour wheel. Planting Anchusa next to bright orange poppies creates a vibrating, high-energy display that looks incredible in the sun.
• 🌼 Limnanthes (Poached Egg Plant): The Edging Team. Both are low growing and spread to cover the ground. The yellow and white of the Limnanthes lifts the dark blue of the Anchusa perfectly.

Sow indoors in spring. Flowers June to August.