{"product_id":"cynoglossum-hungaricum","title":"Cynoglossum hungaricum","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynoglossum hungaricum\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHungarian Hound's Tongue\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTall, branching sprays of soft clean pink flowers above rough, hairy, blue-grey foliage — a rare cottage garden perennial collector's plant from central and eastern Europe, sharing the easy-going nature of its blue-flowered relatives but offering a unique pink colour palette that works beautifully in soft pastel borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA genuine collector's plant. While the blue Forget-me-not Cynoglossum (\u003cem\u003eC. amabile\u003c\/em\u003e 'Mystery Rose' and similar) are well-known cottage favourites, \u003cem\u003eC. hungaricum\u003c\/em\u003e is the rare pink-flowered species — native to central and eastern European grasslands and almost never seen in mainstream British seed catalogues. The plant produces tall, branching sprays of small Forget-me-not-style flowers in soft, clean pink (cleaner than the dusty smoky pink of 'Mystery Rose'), held above the characteristic rough hairy blue-grey foliage of the Borage family. Hardy perennial (H5), though often short-lived (3–4 years before declining) — but exceptionally vigorous in the years it does have, and reliably self-seeds to produce volunteer plants in following years. Surviving down to -15°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe \"Hound's Tongue\" name comes from the Greek \u003cem\u003ekynos glossa\u003c\/em\u003e — referring to the specific rough, tongue-like texture of the leaves. Sow indoors from late winter through early spring at 18–20°C, or direct sow in early spring. Cover seeds lightly with compost (about 3mm — they do not need light to germinate). Germination takes 14–21 days. Plant out in full sun, in well-drained soil. Like all Cynoglossum, \u003cem\u003ehungaricum\u003c\/em\u003e genuinely prefers lean, free-draining conditions — rich ground produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers, and waterlogged soil in winter is fatal. Sandy, gravelly or chalky soils are ideal. Drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead lightly to extend flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding (or leave to self-seed if you want a permanent colony).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn sunny, well-drained cottage borders where the unusual clean-pink Forget-me-not flowers add genuinely uncommon colour. In gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens where the drought-tolerance and lean-soil preference suit the conditions. In collectors' gardens, where the rarity of the species in UK cultivation makes it a quietly valuable plant. As a soft pastel companion to silver-leaved cottage classics. The blue-grey hairy foliage is also genuinely attractive in its own right, adding textural interest even outside flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a tonal pink scheme, pair \u003cem\u003eCynoglossum hungaricum\u003c\/em\u003e with its cousin Cynoglossum 'Mystery Rose' — the dusty rose of 'Mystery Rose' complements the cleaner pink of \u003cem\u003ehungaricum\u003c\/em\u003e perfectly, creating a multi-layered pink display. For textural contrast, combine with the pure white pompom flowers of Achillea 'Ballerina' — both share a love for sunny, well-drained spots and flower in harmony during early summer. For a cottage pastel scheme, plant alongside Achillea 'Pastel Mixed' and the dusty mauve of Cornflower 'Mauve Boy'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53195297259853,"sku":"CYN-HUN","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0828\/6961\/6973\/files\/Untitleddesign_2.png?v=1768592232","url":"https:\/\/thefoalyard.co.uk\/products\/cynoglossum-hungaricum","provider":"The Foalyard","version":"1.0","type":"link"}