Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Green alkanet.
Pentaglottis sempervirens
Pronounced pen-tah-GLOT-iss sem-per-VYE-renz
Also known as Alkanet, Evergreen bugloss, Green Alkanet, bird's-eye, blue alkanet, evergreen alkanet
Green alkanet is a hardy perennial that brings a splash of bright blue to shady corners. It spreads readily and stays green through most of the winter. You will love how it brightens up woodland areas in your garden.
At a glance
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Indoor light
- Medium light
- Water
- Every 5 to 7 days
- Mature size
- 3 feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to support its vigorous growth. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as this plant prefers a steady supply of water. You can easily manage its spread by removing spent flower stalks before they go to seed.
- Watering
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two months during the spring and summer.
- Pruning
- Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage a second flush and prevent unwanted self seeding.
- Repotting
- Divide large clumps every one to two years to maintain plant vigor.
- Soil
- Moist, fertile, well drained soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to alkaline
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
How to identify it
- Bright blue star shaped flowers
- Large ovate dark green leaves
- Rough bristly hairs on foliage
- Clump forming perennial habit
Science
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Genus
- Pentaglottis
- Order
- Boraginales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Also in
Is your green alkanet looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.