Common Borage
Borago officinalis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Baleares, Corse, France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Libya, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Borago
- Species:
- Borago officinalis
- USDA Symbol:
- BOOF
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, pink, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Polka-dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Fuzzy-horned bumble bee (Bombus mixtus), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean region; prefers sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 5–14 days
- Notes:
- Direct sow in spring after last frost. Self-seeds readily. Seeds germinate best at 60-70°F soil temperature.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Resents transplanting.