Anchusa 'Blue Angel' Seeds

Anchusa capensis, often called the Summer Forget-Me-Not, produces masses of intensely vibrant, ultra-marine blue flowers that almost seem to glow. 'Blue Angel' is a compact, bushy variety that smothers itself in blooms, creating a cushion of electric colour.

True blue is a rare colour in the garden—most "blues" are actually purple—but Anchusa is the real deal. It brings a fresh, cool energy to the border and looks absolutely spectacular when planted in drifts at the front of a bed or filling a patio container.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Blue Angel'

If you want to see happy bees, plant Anchusa. It belongs to the Borage family, which means it refills its nectar incredibly fast. You will find it buzzing with life from morning until dusk. It is widely considered one of the very best plants for supporting our pollinator friends.

It is also wonderfully drought-tolerant. Originating from South Africa, it laughs at dry, sunny weather. If you have a hot spot in the garden where other plants wilt, 'Blue Angel' will thrive.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Anchusa capensis is technically a short-lived perennial, but in the UK we grow it as a Hardy Annual.

This means it flowers quickly from seed in its first year. You sow it in spring, and it blooms its heart out all summer long. In mild winters, it might survive to flower again, but it usually performs best when sown fresh every year for the most vigorous display.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Anchusa is fuss-free and grows rapidly.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors in spring or directly outdoors once the soil warms up. Sow the seeds about 3mm deep (they benefit from a tiny bit of darkness to germinate). Keep them moist and warm, and they should appear within 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
We recommend sowing into modules or small pots if starting indoors, as they have a taproot and don't like their roots being disturbed too much. Direct sowing in May is often the easiest method.

Care While Growing:
Plant out in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They hate sitting in wet, heavy clay. Once they start flowering, cut them back a little after the first flush of blooms fades—this often triggers a second wave of flowers later in the summer.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if this electric blue beauty is the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Blue is a "cool" colour, so it looks amazing when contrasted with hot colours or crisp whites. Here are my top pairings:

• 🟠 Calendula (Pot Marigold): The bright orange of Calendula is the direct opposite of blue on the colour wheel. Planting these together creates a vibrating, intense colour pop that looks fantastic in a sunny border.
• 🌼 California Poppies (Eschscholzia): The silky orange petals of the poppy look stunning against the rougher texture and deep blue of the Anchusa. Both love the same dry, sunny conditions.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors early for June flowers, or direct outdoors in May for late summer colour.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)