Cape Forget-Me-Not
Anchusa capensis
Also known as
Annual Anchusa, Summer-Forget-Me-Not, Anchusa, Summer forget-me-not, Cape-forget-me-not, Stergras, Koringblom, Bugloss, Alkanet
Anchusa capensis by Nicola van Berkel (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 60cm |
20cm | Min | 20cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Cape Forget-Me-Not
Cape Forget-Me-Not Overview
Anchusa consists of annual, biennial and perennial plants with the general characteristics of the borage family. There are about 35 species varying from erect to spreading and mound forming with A. capensis is indigenous to South Africa and known to as Cape forget-me-not. Occurring naturally in sunny dry sites, next to roadsides, stony hills, cliffs and grassland. The plants are grown as an annual for their beautiful small striking blue flowers.
Common problems with Cape Forget-Me-Not
Generally problem free
How to harvest Cape Forget-Me-Not
Generally not harvested, the stems are hollow and don't stand up in water as cut flowers.
How to propagate Cape Forget-Me-Not
Cuttings
Root basal cuttings in spring.
Seed
Selfseed easily - sow seeds in Autumn befor the winter rain.
Special features of Cape Forget-Me-Not
Attracts useful insects
The flowers attract bees. Anchusa species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora onosmella.
Pot plant
Attracts butterflies
Drought resistant
Attracts bees
Pioneer
Other uses of Cape Forget-Me-Not
A compact plant useful for edging, rock gardens, and borders. The flowers attract bees. In warm climates these plants are sometimes grown as perennials.
Edible
Garden Annuals
Annuals are mostly, self seeders and flower every year giving you lots of bang for your buck.
