These fast-growing plants with succulent, bristly stems are old-fashioned favorites of the border or herb garden. They self-sow throughout the season to produce a succession of new plants and blossoms. The beautiful flowers are edible and are particularly beguiling on salads or floating on summer drinks.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsStarry flowers in dramatic shades of blue open from iridescent, pendulous buds.
CareGrow B. officinalis in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, and B. pygmaea in moist soil and partial shade.
PropagationDirect sow in situ in spring or fall. Self-sows.
ProblemsPowdery mildew.
