Borago officinalis Boraginaceae

CULTIVATION A hardy annual herb with hairy, dull-green, oval leaves, it has bright blue (and sometimes pink), star-shaped flowers with prominent black stamens from early summer. It grows to a height of 45-75 cm (18-30in) and prefers light, well-drained soil and sun or light shade. Propagate it by sowing seeds in spring and autumn (the herb seeds itself easily in light soils) and thin or transplant the seedlings to 30cm (12m) apart. Harvest leaves and flowers at any time. A good garden, border, woodland and container herb.