Borage Blue 15cm

Description

Borage (Borago officinalis), often called “Blue Borage” because of its brilliant azure blooms, is an annual herb celebrated for its star-shaped flowers and versatile uses in the kitchen and the garden. Hailing from the Mediterranean, this plant can adapt well to various climates as long as it receives full sun to partial shade, with about six hours of direct sunlight a day. Growing to a height of around 60 to 90 centimeters, Borage features large, bristly leaves and hollow stems that become covered in soft hairs. Despite its somewhat fuzzy appearance, it’s known for its charming, nodding blooms that draw the eye and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In late spring and continuing through summer, Borage produces an abundance of five-petaled, star-shaped flowers in vivid shades of blue. These captivating blossoms aren’t just pretty to look at—they’re also edible, often used as a colorful garnish in salads, drinks, and desserts. The leaves have a mild, cucumber-like flavor that many gardeners enjoy adding to soups or refreshing summer beverages. Some even freeze the flowers into ice cubes, turning ordinary drinks into delightful conversation starters at gatherings.

Borage is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in well-drained soil and requiring moderate watering. While it appreciates consistent moisture, it can withstand short dry spells once established. As an annual, it will typically self-seed if given the chance, ensuring new plants appear the following year without much extra effort on your part. Simply allow a few of the blooms to mature and drop their seeds naturally at the end of the season.

One of Borage’s greatest contributions is to the pollinator population. Bees, in particular, are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making this herb an excellent companion plant for fruits and vegetables—particularly those requiring insect pollination. Additionally, Borage is sometimes grown as a green manure, as its leaves and stems can be tilled back into the soil to help enrich it with nutrients.

Whether you’re captivated by the vivid hue of its blossoms, excited about the culinary possibilities, or eager to create a more pollinator-friendly garden, Blue Borage offers something for everyone. Its cheerful flowers, edible leaves, and robust growth habit ensure it remains a favorite for gardeners seeking both visual appeal and practical benefits in a single plant.