How to Grow Early-flowering Borage
Trachystemon orientalis
Early-flowering Borage is a vigorous, hardy perennial groundcover for shade and dry shade under trees. In late winter it sends up bristly stems covered in small blue flowers — often while snow is still possible — providing valuable early nectar. The leaves follow later and grow very large (up to 40 cm), forming dense weed-smothering cover all summer. Plant in any reasonable soil in part to full shade, water in well, and leave it alone — it spreads steadily and asks for almost nothing in return.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a top-dressing of compost in early spring as flower buds emerge.
Watch For
- Slugs (on emerging leaves)
- Powdery mildew (in dry conditions)
Companions
Hellebores, Pulmonaria, Epimedium, Ferns
Care Requirements
Light
Part shade to full shade
Thrives in the shade of deciduous trees and shrubs. Tolerates deep dry shade where little else will grow. Avoid full sun which scorches the large leaves.
Watering
Low — drought tolerant once established
Water well after planting. Once established, tolerates prolonged dry spells, making it ideal under tree canopies where soil stays dry. Young plants may need watering in the first summer.
Fertilizing
Top-dress with compost in early spring
A mulch of garden compost or leaf mould each spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote lush growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring
Remove tatty or frost-damaged leaves before or just as new shoots emerge. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in autumn to maintain vigour.
Spacing
60–90 cm apart
Plants spread by rhizomes. Space 60–90 cm apart for groundcover; closer for quicker establishment. Will eventually fill gaps without additional intervention.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 75 cm |
| Row spacing | 75 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 90 cm |
Space 60–90 cm apart. Plants spread steadily by rhizomes and will eventually knit together to form a weed-suppressing groundcover.
