Borago officinalis 'Alba' (White Borage)

Scientific Name

Borago officinalis 'Alba'

Common Names

White Borage, Starflower, Talewort

Scientific Classification

Family: Boraginaceae
Subfamily: Boraginoideae
Genus: Borago

Flower

Color: White
Bloom Time: Early spring right through to fall

Description

Borago officinalis 'Alba' is identical in growth habit to its blue counterpart Borago officinalis, growing to a bush up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall that is slightly narrower. Stalks tend to be a bit sturdier, and the plant usually blooms slightly later in the season than its blue cousin. Both share the same large, fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are wrinkly and grey-green colored. Flowers are pure white, perfectly star-shaped, grow around the stem and appear from early spring right through to fall. Each flower is centered by five black stamens, which heighten the drama.

How to Grow and Care

Borage grows best if direct-seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep them well-watered. They are tolerant of any soil, even poor dry soil. However, a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil is optimal.

If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot-bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and don't transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed once seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) tall, thin to approximately 12 inches (40 cm) apart.

Plants in poor soil will benefit from periodic feeding with any fertilizer labeled for use on edible plants. Something with a high phosphorous number (the middle number on a fertilizer package) will help keep them in flower. Plants can be pinched or pruned to encourage branching and to keep them shorter.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Borage.

Origin

This plant is a cultivar of Borago officinalis.

Links

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