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Borago officinalis , also known as borage and cool tankard has been found in herb gardens through the ages, as it has remarkable qualities, as well as being an attractive plant,this is the blue flowered variety and has bright green bristly leaves and striking blue flowers which grow around the stem throughout the summer. Borage is a very important flower for bee's and other pollinating insects as it flowers for so long it is an abundent source of pollen and nectar. Borage flowers are unique in that after a bee has visited a flower it refills with nectar within two minutes, making borage a great pollinator-friendly plant for a small garden.
Borage will grow to approx 60-90cm tall it grows well in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It will happily grow in just about any soil type as long as it is free draining but it likes to be kept moist throughout the growing season.
Borage is an exceptionally tough customer that has spread across the globe from its origins in the Mediterannean. As an annual, Borage will seed itself happily across the garden if allowed. (To avoid this, simply remove the seed heads after flowering.)
To ancient Greeks and Romans borage, Borago officinalis, was a potent medicinal herb guaranteeing courage in battle. Borage has many uses, from the medicinal to the culinary: the leaves were used as a saline diuretic and the flowers can be used to decorate cakes or summer drinks, like Pimms and cordials. The leaves have a cucumber flavour and can be shopped into salads or soft cheeses too.
Our potted Blue Borage herb plants are generally available to buy online between March and September.