Also known as Bugloss · 130 saves
Anchusa
Anchusa, the genus most gardeners know as bugloss. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Anchusa varieties
Browse all 4 Anchusa varieties →
2 species of Anchusa
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Anchusa in Sow
Save the Anchusa you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Anchusa
Whats common across all Anchusa varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Anchusa year
- StakeMay50% of varieties
Provide support for tall stems before they get heavy with flowers to prevent flopping.
- DeadheadJune and July50% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming, but leave some to self-seed.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Sow direct into poor, dry soil 🌱
- Cut back after the first flush ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t neglect pruning after flowering
- Keep away from heavy, waterlogged soils
- Feed or over-water it ❌
What goes wrong with Anchusa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap organic remedy |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to deer, dry soil, heat and poor soil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves with soft, decayed roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide or improve air circulation |
Making more Anchusa
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
Anchusa questions
How many types of Anchusa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Anchusa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 130 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Anchusa grow in?
Across its varieties, Anchusa covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Anchusa bloom?
Most Anchusa varieties bloom in early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Anchusa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.