Anchusa crispa: complete guide

Overview

Anchusa crispa, commonly known as curled alkanet or Corsican alkanet, is a rare and delicate plant native to southern Europe. The plant is particularly renowned for its beautiful blue flowers and unique wavy leaves. This makes it a highly sought-after plant for gardeners interested in Mediterranean flora.

The plant belongs to the Boraginaceae family (rough-leaved plants) and grows wild only in a few locations in southeastern Corsica and northeastern Sardinia. This limited natural occurrence makes it botanically very valuable.

Anchusa crispa is a small plant, usually between 20 and 40 centimeters tall. It's an annual or short-lived perennial with compact growth. The plant flowers in spring with beautiful blue blooms.

Although rare in the wild, Anchusa crispa can grow relatively easily in cultivation with suitable conditions.

Appearance & Bloom

Anchusa crispa is a small, compact plant with characteristic wavy or frilly leaves. Leaves are lanceolate, approximately 3 to 8 centimeters long, with irregular, curled edges. This unique leaf texture gives the plant its name.

Leaves are hairy and green-colored, with a rough-feeling texture. Each plant usually forms one central stem with few side shoots.

Anchusa crispa flowers from April to May with small, blue blooms. Flowers measure approximately 1 centimeter in diameter, with 5 rounded petals. They grow in small clusters at stem tips.

The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and have a subtle fragrance. The flowering period is relatively short, typically only several weeks.

Following blooming, the plant produces small, brown seeds in characteristic seed capsules. These seeds can be used for propagation.

Ideal Location

Anchusa crispa grows best in very sunny locations. The plant tolerates full sunlight and is sun-seeking. At least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily is necessary.

The plant becomes increasingly compact and more flower-rich as it receives more sun. Insufficient light leads to long, thin stems and fewer flowers.

The plant grows in much cooler conditions than tropical species. Ideal temperatures range between 12 and 22°C. The plant tolerates light frost but dies at prolonged temperatures below 5°C.

Wind protection can be useful for this small plant in very windy areas.

Soil

Anchusa crispa grows best in very well-draining, lean soils. This is crucial: the plant tolerates no waterlogging and grows poorly in nutrient-rich soils.

The ideal soil composition consists of:

• 50% sharp sand or gravel
• 30% grit or small pebbles
• 20% universal potting soil
• Optionally add some lime

The plant prefers alkaline soils (pH 7.0-8.0) and can tolerate slightly calcareous soils well.

Always ensure good drainage at pot bottom to prevent stagnation.

Watering

Anchusa crispa tolerates drought better than moist conditions. This is a very important aspect of care.

Water only when soil feels completely dry, usually only every 2 to 3 weeks. During rainy periods, you may not need to water at all.

Overwatering is the most common reason this plant dies. Always ensure good drainage. Better too dry than too wet.

During flowering time, slightly more regular watering can help, but still sparingly.

Use rainwater rather than tap water, as this contains fewer calcium compounds.

Pruning

Anchusa crispa requires virtually no pruning. The plant grows compactly and produces few side shoots.

Remove only dead or damaged leaves. Otherwise pruning is unnecessary and can even be harmful.

After blooming, you can remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking neat. However, this doesn't stimulate new flowering.

If the plant appears dead at season's end, don't prune as it may return in spring.

Maintenance Calendar

January-February: Minimal growth. Little water. No feeding.

March: Growth begins. Water somewhat more regularly. Very light feeding possible.

April-May: Blooming. Water regularly but still sparingly. No feeding.

June-August: Growth slows. Water very minimally. Possibly harvest seeds.

September-October: Rest preparation. Reduce water. No feeding.

November-December: Rest. Minimal water. Protect from extreme frost.

Winter Hardiness

Anchusa crispa is not fully winter hardy in northern climates. The plant can tolerate light frost (to approximately -5°C) but dies at prolonged intense frost.

In southern Europe and other Mediterranean regions, the plant can overwinter outdoors in sheltered locations.

In more northern areas, it's best to overwinter the plant in a cold, dry greenhouse or conservatory. A temperature of 5-10°C is ideal.

Protection against excessive moisture in winter is as important as protection against frost.

Companion Plants

Anchusa crispa combines well with other Mediterranean mountain plants. Ideal combinations include:

• Lithodora: Another blue Mediterranean plant
• Silene: Pink and white mountain flowers
• Saxifraga: Small mountain plants
• Sempervivum: Succulents
• Helianthemum: Sun roses

In gardens it works well with:

• Lavender (Lavandula)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Final Recommendations

Anchusa crispa is a fascinating plant for specialist gardeners. With its beautiful blue flowers and unique leaves, it adds character to rare plant collections.

For success:

1. Plant in very sunny, sheltered location
2. Use very well-draining soil
3. Water sparingly, especially in winter
4. Provide little feeding
5. Protect from prolonged hard frost

Visitors to gardenworld.app can find more information about Mediterranean alpine gardens and rare plants.

With patience and attention, you'll greatly enjoy this beautiful plant!