{"product_id":"anchusa-blue-angel","title":"Anchusa Blue Angel","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnchusa capensis 'Blue Angel'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCape Forget-Me-Not 'Blue Angel'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClouds of vivid ultramarine-blue flowers — possibly the truest, most electric blue available from any annual seed — held in airy sprays above a compact mound of bristly green foliage. This is the colour that gardeners spend years trying to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReal, intense blue is the rarest colour in the garden. Most \"blue\" flowers are really violet-blue, lavender, or purple-blue. 'Blue Angel' produces something different — a saturated, almost luminous ultramarine that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Bred from \u003cem\u003eAnchusa capensis\u003c\/em\u003e, the South African Cape Forget-Me-Not, it is a hardy annual that grows to a tidy 30–45cm with masses of forget-me-not-style flowers from June through to the first autumn frosts. Drought-tolerant once established, exceptionally bee-friendly, and one of the very best annuals for those tricky hot, dry, sunny spots where most plants struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSow indoors from February to April at 18–20°C, or sow direct from late April once the soil has warmed. Anchusa seeds benefit from light, so surface-sow or barely cover. Germination takes 10–14 days. Plant out after the last frost in full sun and well-drained soil — this is a plant that genuinely thrives on neglect once established. Lean, dry, free-draining ground produces stronger flowering than rich, moist soil. Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering season; without deadheading, plants tend to set seed and stop blooming after a single flush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn hot, dry sunny borders where the intense blue creates pure contrast against silver-leaved companions and warm-toned neighbours. The colour is particularly powerful next to gold and yellow flowers — the complementary contrast is genuinely electric. In containers, where the compact habit suits patio pots, and as a cut flower for small posies and informal arrangements where the blue does the heavy lifting. Pollinators adore it — bees, hoverflies and butterflies all visit in numbers throughout its long season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor maximum colour drama, pair with the gold of Achillea 'Cloth of Gold' or the warm tones of Calendula. For a softer combination, plant with the white lace of Ammi majus and the soft pinks of Achillea 'Pastel Mixed'. As a cottage garden classic combination, try alongside Cornflower 'Snowman' for a cool blue-and-white scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766400594269,"sku":"ANC-BLU","price":2.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/Anchusa_Blue_Angel_1.jpg?v=1779457431","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/anchusa-blue-angel","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}