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Chilean Fire Bush - a hidden jewel in our garden

It is heartbreaking that this beauty is hidden in our garden but at least the hummingbirds have found it. Hidden because it is planted behind a 7 feet tall rose. I planted it there because I was under the impression that it would become a tree. It can indeed become a tree and there is one growing about a mile from our house that is around 20 feet tall.  In our garden, it is taking its sweet time and is only 4 feet tall after being planted seven years ago (2017). It did not begin to bloom until its fifth year and this is the first year flowering has been so profuse. Whenever I think about this plant, I always remember what the Gosslers said in their book "The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs". I quote it here: "Since this plant comes from southern Chile, we begin with a word of warning: it will not grow anywhere in the United States outside western Washington, Oregon and northern California. People wanting to grow E. coccineum in the eastern part of the country will
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Bugloss (Anchusa capensis)



This is Anchusa capensis 'Blue Angel', commonly known as "Bugloss" and also known under more attractive names like "Cape Forget-Me-Not" and "Summer Forget-Me-Not".

I did not know this plant when I purchased it earlier this year and decided to get it to fill a spot and anything with blue flowers will get my attention (plus it came from Little Prince and that is usually a good sign). Co-worker Kellie told me it was a nice plant and I always follow her advice. I planted it in one of the front raised borders in partial shade, promptly forgot about it, until the blue flowers appeared. Gorgeous! And very long-lasting.

When the blooms faded, I cut it back about halfway. And now, here it is again!

Investigating it further, I've learned that it is a member of the Borage family. It is actually a biennial and native to South Africa. According to the North Carolina Extension website - 

"The genus "anchusa" is from the Greek word "anchousa", which makes reference to its use as a dye for cosmetic paint obtained from the roots of another plant in the genus Anchusa tinctoria. The species capensis translated to "from the Cape" referring to South Africa." 


The blue flowers are outstanding and the foliage is nice as well. In mild climates, it is said to be "weedy" when it self-sows. Aha - borage! 

That said, I'm in love with it at the moment. We will see what happens next year with it. 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. tz_gardenSeptember 3, 2023 at 8:33 AM

    What a little beauty! Love the intense blue, I'm going to have to give this one a go. *Thanks Kris for the reminder of Annie's labor day sale.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2023 at 8:58 AM

    Now THAT is blue!
    Chavli

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