Borago officinalis
Borage
Description
This annual herb will grow up to 3' tall and 2' wide with purple to blue blooms, fuzzy stems, and green leaves with textured edges. Also known as a starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in temperate climates, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds.
Plant Type
Annual, Herb
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Light Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Medium
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean, Ranch
Accenting Features
Fragrance
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation
Special Uses
Cut Flowers, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.