White Borage (Borago officinalis var. alba)

Wild flower 

16 September 2018*

Park

White Borage(Borago officinalis var. alba)

Borago officinalis , also known as starflower and the rather charming name of bee bread has been found in herb gardens through the ages, as it has remarkable qualities, as well as being an attractive plant, more common is the blue flowered variety but this is a striking white flowered version hence the 'Alba'. It is a robust variety that is adorned with bright green bristly leaves and striking white flowers which grow around the stem throughout the summer. Borage is a very important flower for bee's and other pollinating insects  as it flowers for so long it is an abundent source of pollen and nectar.

White borage is identical in growth habit to its blue cousin, growing to approx 60-90cm tall it tends to be a bit sturdier, and the plant usually flowers slightly later in the season than its blue counterpart. Borage grows well in  full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It will happily grow in just about any soil type as long as it is free draining but it likes to be kept moist throughout the growing season. 

Borage is an exceptionally tough customer that has spread across the globe from its origins in the Mediterannean. As an annual, Borage will seed itself happily across the garden if allowed. (To avoid this, simply remove the seed heads after flowering.)(LINK)