ECHIUM (Annual Borage)

If your flower bed is in an open sunny situation and the soil drains freely then this plant is worth considering. It makes a welcome change from the popular range of low –growing annuals, and the flowers which look like upturned bells are fragrant and attractive to bees. The branching stems bear hairy narrow leaves and the long – lasting blooms are borne in dense heads.
VARIETIES: The garden varieties of E. plantagineum have been much improved in recent years. No longer need you keep to the original blue – rose, mauve and white are available. But the blue ones are perhaps the best, and ‘Blue Bedder’ provides deep blue flowers throughout summer or autumn. For a mixture of colours choose ‘Dwarf Hybrids’.
SITE & SOIL: Any well-drained garden soil, but light or medium hand is preferred. Choose a sunny spot.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 1ft. spacing 9in .flowering period June- October.
PRORAGATION: Sow seeds in August or April where they are to flower. Thin to required spacing.