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Herbaceous Perennial

Cynoglossum nervosum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Himalayan hound's tongue

An upright, but bushy clump-forming perennial with bristly, narrow, oblong green leaves. Reaches a height of 60cm. Sprays of the brightest azure flowers appear from mid-spring to mid-summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Foliage may irritate skin. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
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
Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in a cold frame in autumn or spring or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut all foliage back to ground level at the end of the growing season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a powdery mildew

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