Plants in family boraginaceae
Pulmonaria saccharata
Pulmonaria saccharata is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native to France and Italy. It features lance-shaped leaves with white spots and pink or white flowers in spring. This plant prefers shaded, nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Trachystemon orientalis
Trachystemon orientalis, a relative of Pulmonaria, is a bold ground cover native to the Black Sea region. It features 8-inch long, sandpapery green leaves and blue flowers in late winter. This drought-tolerant plant is effective as a fungicide and has edible parts, making it both ornamental and practical for gardens.
Brunnera macrophylla
Brunnera macrophylla is a plant with large, fuzzy silver leaves featuring green veins, forming nearly 3-foot wide clumps. It is topped with tiny sky blue flowers in April and prefers evenly moist soils with good drainage.
Borago officinalis
This plant grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and attracts bees and beneficial insects. It has edible flowers with a cucumber-like flavor, and its leaves and stems are also edible. It is fairly drought tolerant once established.
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens'
Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' is a plant that was popular in 16th century England, known for its ability to pair well with bronze and deep-purple or red foliage. It thrives in lean, poor soils and tolerates drought and heat, attracting bees and hummingbirds. Its historical significance and adaptability make it a charming addition to gardens.
Onosma echioides
Onosma echioides, a member of the borage family, features evergreen rosettes and light yellow flowers on branched stalks. It blooms from April to June and sporadically through summer. This plant requires good soil drainage, especially in winter, and has traditional medicinal uses for inducing vomiting and treating heart palpitations.
Pulmonaria longifolia
Pulmonaria longifolia, commonly known as lungwort, is a semi-evergreen perennial native to western Europe. It thrives in semi-shaded areas and is known for its striking silver-spotted foliage and vibrant blue flowers that bloom in early spring. This plant is hardy in USDA zone 5 and can tolerate both sun and heavy clay soils. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves can grow up to 24 inches long, providing a lush ground cover. Lungwort is appreciated for its ability to withstand summer heat and its suitability for rock gardens. It is often grown for its spring floral display and is a favorite in bright, shady locations with moist, well-drained soil.
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Phacelia tanacetifolia, also known as Lacy Scorpion-weed or Bee's Friend, is a versatile plant used as a cover crop to improve soil and reduce erosion. It features bell-shaped violet flowers that attract pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees. This drought-tolerant plant grows well in poor soils and can thrive from sea level up to 8,000 feet, making it a valuable addition to sustainable gardening practices.
Mertensia virginica
Mertensia virginica, commonly known as Virginia bluebells, is an early spring flowering perennial native to eastern North America. It features large green leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers that transition from pink buds to sky-blue blooms. This spring ephemeral thrives in rich, moist woods and attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant is also edible and has been used in traditional Native American medicine. Its delicate beauty and ecological benefits make it a cherished addition to woodland gardens.
Phacelia campanularia
Phacelia campanularia, native to California's Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, is a hardy annual herb with bright blue, bell-shaped flowers. It is drought and cold tolerant, making it ideal for dry, sandy areas below 4,000 feet. The plant attracts native bees and features glandular hairs on its erect stems. Its leaves are rounded with toothed edges, and the plant can cause skin irritation. Known for its vibrant color, it is a favorite in wildflower collections.
Symphytum grandiflorum
Symphytum grandiflorum, native to the Caucasus region, is a deer-tolerant perennial with large, rough-textured dark green leaves and white flower clusters in spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and tolerates dry shade, making it suitable for borders and shady situations.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' is a deer-resistant perennial with solid silver, round, heart-shaped leaves. It blooms with cobalt-blue flowers in spring and prefers moist, rich soil. This plant is not suitable for hot, humid summers, making it ideal for cooler climates where it can thrive in light shade to full shade.
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' is an evergreen perennial with silver-spotted or entirely silvered foliage. It thrives in bright shady or part shade locations with moist, well-drained soil. This plant is not readily eaten by rabbits and deer, making it a resilient choice for gardens.
Pulmonaria 'Berries And Cream'
Pulmonaria 'Berries And Cream' is an evergreen perennial with silver-spotted or entirely silvered foliage. It displays a spring floral show and thrives in bright shady or part shade locations with moist, well-drained soil. The plant is resistant to rabbits and deer.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen Of Hearts'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Queen Of Hearts' is a perennial with heavily silver leaves and narrow green veins. It forms an 18-inch tall by 3-foot wide specimen and produces sky blue flowers in April. This plant is ideal for shaded gardens and attracts butterflies.
Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom'
Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom' is a heat-tolerant plant with heart-shaped leaves of silvery-green and dark green veins. It forms a 1-foot tall clump and blooms with pure blue flowers in April. This plant prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil and is a charming addition to shaded gardens.
Pulmonaria 'Little Star'
Pulmonaria 'Little Star' is an evergreen herbaceous perennial known for its spring floral display and silver-spotted foliage. It thrives in bright shady or part shade locations with moist, well-drained soil. This plant is not readily eaten by rabbits and deer, making it a resilient garden choice.
Pulmonaria 'Silver Bouquet'
Pulmonaria 'Silver Bouquet' is a hybrid perennial known for its striking silver foliage and clusters of blue and pink flowers that bloom in late winter. This plant forms a 6-inch tall clump that spreads up to 2 feet wide, making it an excellent ground cover for shady areas. Pulmonaria 'Silver Bouquet' is deer-resistant and thrives in moist soils with good drainage. It is part of the borage family and is often used in cottage gardens and shade gardens. The foliage is mildew-resistant, adding to its appeal as a low-maintenance plant. This plant is also known for its ability to attract pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting local wildlife.
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Goldsmith'
Symphytum grandiflorum 'Goldsmith' is an English selection of comfrey with 8-inch long crinkled green leaves edged in creamy yellow. It thrives in woodland conditions, forming a 2-foot wide mat, and produces small, pale yellow, bell-like flowers in early spring.
Pulmonaria 'Silver Shimmers'
Pulmonaria 'Silver Shimmers' is an evergreen perennial with striking silver leaves and cobalt blue flowers in early spring. It thrives in bright shady locations and is resistant to rabbits and deer.
Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash'
Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' is a perennial introduced in 1999, known for its long green leaves with dramatic silver spotting. It forms 1-foot tall by 2-foot wide clumps and produces clusters of vivid raspberry-purple flowers in early spring. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and light open shade.
Pulmonaria 'Majeste'
Pulmonaria 'Majeste' is an evergreen perennial known for its deer-resistant, solid silver leaves and early spring sprays of pink and blue flowers. It thrives in bright shady or part shade locations with moist, well-drained soil.
Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist'
Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist' is a perennial with a basal rosette of dark green foliage and upright flower stalks reaching 3 feet tall. It produces clusters of dark cobalt blue flowers in late spring, attracting bees and butterflies. This deer-resistant plant thrives in well-drained sites and is recognized as one of the top 200 plants by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Pulmonaria 'Little Blue'
Pulmonaria 'Little Blue' is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped leaves adorned with silver spots. It produces cobalt-blue flowers in early spring and thrives in moist, well-drained soil in bright shady or part shade locations. This plant is resistant to rabbits and deer, making it a durable choice for shaded gardens.
Pulmonaria 'May Bouquet'
Pulmonaria 'May Bouquet' is a vigorous perennial forming a 20-inch wide clump with green leaves speckled with silver. It produces blue flowers that change to pink in spring and thrives in bright shady or part shade locations.
Pulmonaria saccharata 'British Sterling'
Pulmonaria saccharata 'British Sterling' is an evergreen perennial with striking silver-spotted or entirely silvered foliage. It blooms with blue and pink flowers in early spring and thrives in bright shady or part shade locations. This plant is resistant to rabbits and deer, making it a resilient garden choice.
Glandora diffusa 'Grace Ward'
Glandora diffusa 'Grace Ward' is a low-growing ground cover with sapphire blue star-shaped flowers and grey-green foliage. Ideal for rock gardens and erosion control, it thrives in full sun and fast-draining acidic soil. This xeric plant is pollinator-friendly and requires low to average moisture, making it a practical choice for sustainable gardening.
Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream' is a deer-resistant perennial with heart-shaped medium green leaves and a creamy-white stripe. The edge color changes with temperature, and the plant is smothered in tiny pure blue flowers in spring. It prefers moist conditions and light shade.
Symphytum uplandicum 'Variegatum'
Symphytum uplandicum 'Variegatum' is a natural hybrid with a 3-foot-wide rosette of fuzzy green leaves bordered in creamy yellow. It grows up to 2 feet tall, producing light blue, bell-shaped flowers in late spring. This plant thrives in moist, rich soils.