Cultivating large ox tongue in the garden

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Rough and cute at the same time - the summer perennial Anchusa azurea impresses with an unusual combination of properties and presents subtle, small flowers.

The Great Ox Tongue is a perennial plant that peaks in bloom in June and July. In some cases, the perennial even blooms into September. During these months, numerous blue, five-petalled flowers cover the perennial's hairy stems and dark green leaves. With a height of 40 to 130 cm and a width of 50-60 cm, the Anchusa azurea has clumpy growth. The cupped flowers grow on erect peduncles. They are reminiscent of large forget-me-not flowers and appear very dainty and pretty thanks to a small white dot in the center of the flower. In autumn, the perennial sheds its leaves and prepares for wintering.

Great ox tongue (Anchusa azurea)
Growth:curved tuft of leaves, erect flower stalks, clumpy
Growth:40 - 130 cm
Growth:50 - 60 cm
Usage:Bee pasture, open spaces, borders
Location:Sun
Floor:dry to moist, well-drained, rich in nutrients

Care of the Big Ox Tongue

Thanks to its magnificent flowers, the ox tongue can develop its full potential in mixed perennial beds and make the garden a little more colourful. To ensure that your Anchusa azurea thrives, you need to follow a few care instructions.

Planting and Pruning

The best time to plant the perennial is between March and November. For best results, no more than three to five plants should be planted evenly spaced (ideally 55 cm) per square metre. Be careful not to get in the way of other plants in this area of the Great Ox Tongue, as it requires a lot of space for its roots. The plant grows relatively tall, which is why it is particularly effective in open spaces and in natural gardens.

Tip: It is not absolutely necessary to cut back in winter.

The ox tongue loves a nutrient-rich and calcareous soil that is fresh and airy. If the soil is too acidic, the perennial will not thrive well. Its flowers provide food for insects, so it is also suitable for planting in a bee pasture.

Watering and fertilizing - What are the requirements of the Great Ox Tongue?

The perennial needs relatively little water and therefore thrives in dry to moderately moist soil. If it doesn't rain for a long time, you can water the plant lightly on a regular basis. But make sure that there is no waterlogging. This would have negative consequences for the Great Ox Tongue. It also does not require fertilizer and therefore does not make great demands on its gardener.

Hibernation and Frost Protection for the Great Ox Tongue

The Great Ox Tongue is a perennial plant that only needs a little help over the winter to be able to shine with the same flowers next year. In autumn, the plant automatically retreats into the ground. The gardener therefore has no effort from a necessary pruning, but can do this to harden the plant for the European winter. In any case, the plant-based sun worshiper needs protection from cold and frost in winter. For this purpose, it is best to spread a thick layer of leaves or brushwood over the root area. The frost protection remains in place until next spring and can be removed as soon as night frosts are no longer to be expected.

The perfect location for the Great Ox Tongue: sunny and dry

As a summer perennial, the ox-tongue loves sunlight. Choose a location that enjoys several hours of sunshine a day. These hours in the bright sun are a prerequisite for the flowering splendor of the Anchusa azurea. The perennial does not thrive in the shade, which is why at least partial shade with a few hours of sunshine is desirable.

Neighbor plants

It is great praise for every gardener when the planting in his garden conveys an impressive overall concept. The colorful advantages of the big ox tongue can be particularly well presented with plant partners that have yellow, white or pink flowers. Oriental poppies and ox tongue work together very harmoniously and form a striking contrast that will be remembered.

Reproduction of Greater Ox Tongue

If you can't get enough of your Anchusa azurea and would like to have several of these colorful plants, you can propagate them vegetatively in spring.To do this, divide the shrub at best in March and plant the parts in different places. Alternatively, you can propagate the plant with a root cutting or sow fresh seeds. In an optimal location, the plant will also self-seed and spread independently.

Pests on the big ox tongue

Good news for all gardeners who struggle with pests: the ox tongue is very hardy and is rarely if ever attacked by parasites or diseases. However, too much moisture can become a problem, allowing fungi to attack the roots. The result: root rot. Therefore, water your perennials wisely and regularly remove withered foliage. If these tips are followed, the perennial will thrive and grow magnificently for many years.

At a glance

Growth:up to 130 centimeters
Flower:blue, five petals, cupped
Flowering:June to September
PlantingMarch to November
Location:sunny, dry
Floor:airy, nutritious, calcareous
Casting:moderate
Fertilize:not necessary
Hiberation:cover with leaves or brushwood
DangersWaterlogging, root rot