Common Borage

(Borago officinalis)

Common Borage (Borago officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Borago officinalis, commonly known as Common Borage, is an annual herb originally native to the Mediterranean region, including areas such as North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It thrives in disturbed sites, kitchen gardens, and has naturalized in many parts of the world. Borage typically grows to a height of 60–100 cm (2 ft 0 in – 3 ft 3 in) and is characterized by its bristly or hairy stems and leaves. The leaves are alternate, simple, and 5–15 cm (2–6 in) long. Its flowers are star-shaped with five narrow, triangular-pointed petals and are most often a striking blue, though pink and white-flowered types are also cultivated, with blue being genetically dominant. The flowering season in temperate climates like the UK extends from June to September, while in milder climates, borage may bloom almost year-round. The plant is highly regarded for its edible flowers and leaves, which have a cucumber-like flavor, and is used in salads, soups, and drinks.

Common Borage is valued for its ornamental flowers and its utility in companion planting, where it is known to benefit various vegetables and fruits by attracting pollinators and deterring pests. It is easy to grow and maintain, making it a favorite among gardeners. Borage prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires low to medium amounts of water, making it relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, gardeners should be cautious as Borage can self-seed prolifically and may become invasive outside its native range. It is advisable to remove spent flowers to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Originally native to the Mediterranean region, including areas such as North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

Other Names

Common Names: Beebread, Beeplant, Borage, Talewort, Starflower, Bee Plant, Einjähriger Borretsch, Gurkenkraut, Borretsch, Garten-Boretsch

Scientific Names: , Borago officinalis, Borrago officinalis, Borago advena, Borago aspera, Borago hortensis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Borago officinalis L.