Italian Bugloss Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore'
ABOUT
The 'Dropmore' variety of Anchusa azurea, commonly known as Italian Bugloss, showcases a remarkable visual display. It is characterized by its vibrant, deep blue flowers which are small, funnel-shaped, and clustered along erect, branching stems. The flowers are intensely colored, providing a striking contrast against the green foliage. The leaves of this plant are coarse, hairy, and lance-shaped, with a rough texture that adds an interesting tactile element to the plant's overall appearance. Overall, the Italian Bugloss 'Dropmore' variety presents a captivating aesthetic with its rich blue flowers and lush green leaves, making it a standout in any garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Italian Bugloss, Large Blue Alkanet, Dropmore Alkanet
Common names
Anchusa italica Retz., Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst., Buglossoides arvensis var. azurea (Mill.) I.M.Johnst., Lycopsis arvensis L., Lycopsis azurea Mill.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore' is Italian bugloss. Italian bugloss is not commonly known for being highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it can cause mild discomfort if ingested, potentially resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Skin contact with the plant may also cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or existing allergies. If any part of the plant is ingested and negative symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Italian bugloss is not specifically listed as highly toxic to pets. Nonetheless, just like in humans, ingestion of this plant by pets could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. As pets vary in their sensitivity to different plants, it is always prudent to prevent them from eating or chewing on Italian bugloss. If a pet ingests any part of the plant and exhibits signs of distress, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Italian bugloss provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects which is beneficial for the ecosystem and can improve pollination of nearby plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep blue flowers, Italian bugloss adds striking color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Italian bugloss is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Easy to Grow: It is generally easy to cultivate and does not require a lot of special care, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Cottage Garden Style: Italian bugloss is often used in cottage garden designs for its traditional look and height, which adds structure to garden borders.
- Wildlife Habitat: This plant provides a habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife, particularly small birds that may feed on its seeds.
- Seasonal Interest: Italian bugloss has a prolonged blooming period, from late spring to early summer, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Anchusa azurea, commonly known as Italian bugloss, has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Diuretic: It is sometimes used for its diuretic properties, which can help increase the passage of urine.
- Vulnerary: The plant has been used for its vulnerary properties, aiding in the healing of wounds and cuts.
- Expectorant: Italian bugloss has been used as an expectorant to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some indication that the plant may have liver-protecting properties.
- Antipyretic: The plant has been used traditionally to reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dye: Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore', commonly known as Italian Bugloss, can be used to produce a reddish-purple dye for coloring fabrics.
- Edible Flower: The flowers of Italian Bugloss are edible and can add a vibrant touch as garnishes in salads or as decoration on cakes and pastries.
- Companion Planting: Italian Bugloss can be planted alongside vegetables in the garden to attract pollinators, enhancing the pollination of nearby plants.
- Ink Production: The roots of Italian Bugloss have historically been used to make a red ink utilized in artworks and manuscripts.
- Eco-Friendly Pest Control: The plant may help deter certain pests, such as aphids, thereby reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- Photography Prop: Italian Bugloss, with its striking blue flowers, is frequently used as a photogenic subject or background in plant and garden photography.
- Ceremonial Use: In some cultures, the vibrant flowers of Italian Bugloss are used in ceremonial decorations or as part of wreaths for festivals.
- Butterfly Garden: By planting Italian Bugloss, gardeners can create a habitat that is attractive to butterflies and supports biodiversity.
- Floral Artistry: The bold blooms can be used in flower arrangements and bouquets to add a touch of natural blue color.
- Soil Erosion Control: Italian Bugloss can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil with its root system.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Italian Bugloss is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Italian Bugloss is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Forgotten remembrance: Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore', commonly known as Italian Bugloss, is sometimes associated with the paradoxical idea of remembering the forgotten, perhaps due to its delicate nature and the way it can recede into the background of a garden space.
- True blue: The plant's deep blue flowers are emblematic of constancy and sincerity, symbolizing a steadfastness and true-blue fidelity in relationships and beliefs.
- Wildness: Italian Bugloss can also symbolize a sense of wildness or the untamed, as it is a plant that often thrives in wild areas or on the margins of landscapes, suggesting a spirit of independence or the beauty of untamed nature.
WaterItalian bugloss should be watered deeply but infrequently to establish a robust root system, ensuring you wet the soil to a depth of about 1 inch. During the growing season, it's essential to allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. This might mean watering once a week, but adjust according to local climate conditions and weather. Hotter, drier climates will necessitate watering more often, while in cool, moist climates, you may need to water less. Always provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightItalian bugloss thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot is one that has clear exposure to the sun's rays throughout the day, without too much shade. However, in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.
TemperatureItalian bugloss performs well in a wide range of temperatures but ideally enjoys conditions between 50°F to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F but should be protected from hard frosts. During the hot summer months, make sure it's not exposed to temperatures consistently above 90°F for prolonged periods as this can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Italian bugloss to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom period, and to keep the plant's growth habit tidy and dense. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flush of flowers fades, typically in mid-summer. Pruning every year helps maintain the plant's shape and vigor, removing any thin or weak stems to focus the plant's energy on producing robust new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilItalian Bugloss (Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A suitable soil mix could be equal parts garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage. For container growth, a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or grit is beneficial. Regular incorporation of organic matter will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingItalian Bugloss doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant with a relatively deep root system. Repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container is sufficient. Ensure you choose a pot that accommodates the taproot and provides adequate drainage.
Humidity & MistingItalian Bugloss prefers average humidity conditions and does not require high humidity to thrive. In fact, this plant tolerates dry air better than excessively moist conditions, which can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. Therefore, there's no need to increase humidity especially for this plant in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sunlight and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot, plant in well-draining soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleItalian Bugloss 'Dropmore' starts its life as a seed which germinates in the spring under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture. As a young seedling, it establishes a root system and grows basal leaves, forming a rosette at the soil surface. During its vegetative stage, it develops a sturdy stem and a larger leaf area to photosynthesize and support growth. Throughout the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, Italian Bugloss 'Dropmore' produces tall spikes of vibrant blue flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which will mature by late summer to early fall and then disperse, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter or unfavorable conditions, Italian Bugloss 'Dropmore' may die back, especially in colder climates, with the potential to emerge again from seeds or rootstock if it is perennial in that zone.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Italian Bugloss 'Dropmore', known botanically as Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore', can be effectively propagated by seed. The optimal time for sowing seeds is either in early spring or autumn. To propagate by seed, begin by placing them on the surface of a seed-starting mix in a tray or pot. Lightly press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the tray in a warm area with temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs within 14 to 30 days. Once seedlings have grown sturdy enough and the threat of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure.
