Borage

Borage Borago officinalis

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Borage, also known as ‘starflower’ or ‘bee bush’ is a bristly, annual herb found on cultivated land, disturbed verges and waste areas. Flowering from May – September, it thrives in sunny conditions and is extremely drought tolerant. It has many uses, both medicinal and as a food plant.

Plant family: Boraginaceae
Aliases: Starflower, bee bread, bee bush, bugloss, tailwort
Flowering period: May – September
Flower colour: Blue, (sometimes white or pink)
Preferred soil type: Most types, well drained
Habitat: Field margins, waste areas, disturbed ground
Status: Common

General information

Borage, sometimes referred to as ‘starflower’ due to the star shape of it’s flowers petals, is not a true native of the United Kingdom. It can be confused with green alkanet as there are similarities between the two. It’s a bristly, annual (on occasions a perennial) herb that typically grows to a height of 60cm and is grown commercially for it’s seed oil, which is extracted from the plants leaves.

Borage is most frequently found in areas where the soil has been disturbed, such as building sites, roadsides, railway tracks, waste ground and field margins. It thrives in moist, but well drained soils and prefers sunny locations, although it will grow in shade, proving there is ample warmth. Although it’s an annual plant, borage self seeds freely and should return in subsequent years.

Identification

• • Flowers: The flowers are bright blue with white centres and consist of 5 triangular pointed petals, each having 5 purple –  black stamens that taper to a point. Each flower is between 15-25mm in diameter.
  • Leaves: Once mature, the leaves are bristly and hairy all over, they are alternate, deeply veined and oval, and  between 5–15 cm long.

Value for wildlife

Borage provides a rich source of pollen and nectar and is a real favourite with bumble bees, honey bees and solitary bees as they feed on the open flowers that are easy to access. It’s not just bees that love this wildflower, butterflies and hoverflies are also attracted to it, overall a great plant for pollinators.

Uses for borage

Borage has served many purposes, both medicinal and as a food plant. With a taste that’s very much like cucumber, it has many culinary uses. Tender, young leaves can be used as salad greens, while the flowers can be tossed in salads or used as a garnish for drinks and deserts.

It can also be added to soup, sauces and jelly and the leaves can be used to make herbal tea.

The seeds are used to make borage oil, which is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega six fatty acid, that is believed to help reduce inflammation.

Borage can also be used to treat skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. However, there can be adverse side effects for certain groups of people and it shouldn’t be taken without consulting a healthcare professional.

Close up of a bright blue borage flower with dark stamens attracting a bumblebee

How to Grow Borage from Seed

Growing borage is remarkably easy, making it an ideal plant for both new and seasoned gardeners. As transplanting is somewhat difficult, due to its deep taproot, direct sowing is always recommended.

• When to sow: Sow seeds directly into the ground from mid-spring (April) onwards, once the risk of heavy frost has passed. You can continue additional sowing every few weeks until mid-summer for a continuous supply of flowers.
• Where to plant: Choose a spot in full sun. Borage isn’t overly fussy about soil and will happily grow in poor or chalky soils, provided it has decent drainage.
• Spacing: Sow seeds about 10 mm deep, spaced roughly 30 cm apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out so they have plenty of room to spread out.

Click to enlarge

Borage: Frequently Asked Questions

Is borage a native British wildflower?

Borage (Borago officinalis) is classified as an archaeophyte—a species introduced to Britain in ancient times that has successfully naturalised across the UK. While not strictly native in evolutionary terms, it has been part of the British landscape for centuries and is a staple of wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows.

Why do bees love borage so much?

Borage is widely considered one of the absolute best plants for bees because its star-shaped flowers produce a continuous, high-volume supply of nectar with a high sugar concentration. Furthermore, the nectar replenishes rapidly (often within minutes), providing a reliable and energy-rich food source for honeybees and bumblebees throughout the day.

Where is the best place to plant borage in the garden?

Borage thrives best in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle poor soils. Because of its height (60 to 90 cm) and branching habit, it makes an excellent addition to vegetable gardens as a companion plant, or integrated into sunny wildlife borders and wildflower patches.

Does borage self-seed and return every year?

Yes. Although borage is a fast-growing annual, it is a prolific self-seeder. Once you plant it in a sunny spot, it will readily drop seeds to ensure a fresh crop of plants returns year after year with minimal effort.

Can borage help control garden pests?

Yes. Borage attracts a wide range of beneficial insects, including predatory hoverflies, ladybirds, and parasitoid wasps. These insects prey on common garden pests like aphids, which makes it an excellent natural pest-control ally in allotments and organic gardens.