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Annual Biennial

Cynoglossum officinale
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

hound's tongue

A softly hairy biennial to about 70cm tall, initially forming a basal rosette of grey-green, elliptic-oblong leaves to 12cm long, and in the second year producing loose clusters of dark purple-red flowers during summer

Other common names
common dog's tongue
common hound's tongue
see moredog bur
gypsy flower
rose noble
sheep lice
Tory weed
wood mat
beggar's lice
tafod y ci
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Red Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cynoglossum can be annuals, biennials or perennials, usually short-lived, with roughly hairy, simple, lance-shaped to oblong leaves and cymes of blue, purple pink or white, forget-me-not-like flowers from spring to autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well in dry, gravely ground and on coastal sandy soils

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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