Blue bugloss (Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist')
Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' offers spires of brilliant blue flowers in late spring. This medium-maintenance Blue bugloss thrives in full sun.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’, commonly known as Blue bugloss, brings exceptional color to the late spring garden with its vibrant, deep blue to violet flowers. As a coarse, hairy, clump-forming perennial, it offers vertical interest, making it a standout choice when planted in groups. Gardeners value this plant for its intense coloration, though it requires consistency in soil drainage to ensure longevity.
This herbaceous perennial typically matures between 1 and 3 feet tall, presenting dense terminal spikes that draw the eye upward. While Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ is known for being relatively easy to grow under ideal conditions, achieving success depends heavily on providing the necessary light and well-drained soil conditions it demands. It offers fantastic visual impact before the intense heat of summer sets in.
Though Blue bugloss can be short-lived in some garden settings, its seasonal beauty—coupled with its resilience to drought once established—makes it a worthwhile inclusion. Integrating Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ into perennial borders provides a bold splash of reliable blue hue during its peak blooming window.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Boraginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-3 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ in spring or early autumn in locations receiving ample light, ideally full sun, though some afternoon relief in very hot climates is appreciated. This plant thrives in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. It absolutely requires excellent drainage; poor drainage is a primary cause of issues, so amend heavy clay soils thoroughly before planting.
Watering should be consistent, meeting its medium water needs—never allow the soil to become continuously dry, but ensure it never sits wet. Rich, deep soils encourage vigorous growth, but this can lead to taller plants that may flop, requiring staking or support for the flower stalks. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil quality is rich, but ensure no fertilizers contribute to overly saturated soil conditions.
To maintain vigor and potentially prolong the bloom period, promptly deadhead spent flowers. When the foliage becomes messy or unsightly during the summer heat after the main bloom, you can cut the plant back hard to encourage healthier new growth. Prepare for winter by applying a protective mulch around the root zone, being careful not to cover the crown directly.
Propagation of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ is most reliably achieved via root cuttings taken in the fall. While it may self-seed, the resulting seedlings might not maintain the specific traits of the ‘Loddon Royalist’ cultivar. Cut plants back hard again in early autumn to assist in overwintering successfully.
Landscape Uses
Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ excels when used toward the middle or back portions of a mixed perennial border, where its height (up to 3 feet) can provide a strong vertical accent. Its intense blue flowers contrast beautifully against silver foliage or plants with yellow blooms, offering dynamic color combinations throughout late spring and early summer.
This Blue bugloss is also effective when utilized as a specimen or planted in small groups to create concentrated drifts of color. In more naturalized settings, where drainage remains adequate, it can blend appealingly with other meadow or cottage-style plantings, provided its eventual clumping size is accounted for. It is not generally recommended for formal low hedges due to its clumping habit and summer foliage dieback.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Anchusa azurea, commonly known as alkanet or Italian bugloss, is a coarse, hairy, spring-blooming, clump-forming, short-lived perennial of the borage family that typically grows to 3-5’ tall. It is native to the Mediterranean but has been introduced in North America where it has escaped gardens and naturalized in British Columbia plus a number of States in the U.S. The cultivar ‘Loddon Royalist’ grows to 2-3’ tall and features distinctive purple-blue flowers reminiscent of forget-me-nots.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Crown rot presents a significant risk, particularly where soils are wet or drainage is poor, which is often a concern for gardeners aiming for dense, fertile soil for this plant. Taller flowering stems on Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ frequently require unobtrusive staking because they tend to open up in the center and flop over, especially in wet conditions. Furthermore, the foliage of this Blue bugloss can often look tired or die back in mid-summer, especially when grown in hot, humid climates, necessitating the strategy of cutting it back hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Blue bugloss suitable for?
Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 3 feet and spreads about 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
When does Blue bugloss bloom?
You can expect the vibrant blue flowers of Blue bugloss to appear primarily between May and June.
What sun exposure does Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ need?
For the best performance and most compact growth, this plant requires full sun exposure.
Conclusion
The dramatic, saturated blue spires of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ make it an essential component for adding vertical color contrast during the late spring transition. While appreciating rich soil, remember that excellent drainage is non-negotiable for the long-term success of this Blue bugloss. Before planting, confirm that your location offers the required sun exposure and soil conditions compatible with USDA Zones 3-8.
Companion Planting
Choosing companions wisely can help manage the visual appeal of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ once its bloom cycle concludes. Pair it with plants that maintain excellent summer foliage, especially those that can visually mask any flopping or summer decline. Silver-leaved plants, such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), or dome-shaped shorter perennials like Peonies, which fill in gaps well, make excellent neighbors.
Consider positioning shorter, sun-loving companions in front to anchor the base of the Blue bugloss. Plants like Geraniums or Salvia varieties complement the blue tones while providing continuous color after the primary display of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ has faded. Ensure all accompanying plants share the ‘Medium’ water and ‘Full Sun’ requirements.
Propagation Tips
Successful propagation of Anchusa azurea ‘Loddon Royalist’ relies on specific asexual methods rather than relying on seed, ensuring the true cultivar is maintained. The most recommended technique is using root cuttings, which should be prepared in the fall. Select healthy roots, cut pencil-sized sections, and store them cool and slightly moist over winter if necessary.
In very early spring, plant these root cuttings horizontally just beneath the soil surface in a prepared seed tray or nursery bed. Keep the cuttings consistently moist and provide bright, filtered light until new top growth emerges. Alternatively, division of established clumps can be attempted in the spring, though this is often less successful than propagation via root cuttings for this cultivar.
