Barrelier’s Bugloss: A Mediterranean Perennial for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a lesser-known perennial with charming blue flowers, Barrelier’s bugloss (Anchusa barrelieri) might catch your eye. This Mediterranean native brings a touch of Old World charm to American gardens, though it’s definitely not your typical backyard flower.
What is Barrelier’s Bugloss?
Barrelier’s bugloss is a perennial forb that belongs to the borage family. Unlike woody plants, this herbaceous perennial dies back to the ground each winter and regrows from its roots come spring. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Buglossum barrelieri, in some older gardening references.
This plant typically reaches 1 to 3 feet in height and produces clusters of small, bright blue flowers during late spring and early summer. The rough, somewhat bristly leaves give it a rustic appearance that fits well in informal garden settings.
Where Does It Grow?
Originally from the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, Barrelier’s bugloss has found its way to North America as an introduced species. In the United States, it has been documented growing in Connecticut, where it reproduces on its own without human assistance.
Garden Appeal and Design Uses
The main draw of Barrelier’s bugloss is its vibrant blue flowers, which are always welcome in the garden since true blue blooms are relatively rare. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a functional as well as decorative choice.
This plant works well in:
- Cottage-style gardens
- Mediterranean-themed landscapes
- Naturalized or wildflower areas
- Low-maintenance perennial borders
Growing Conditions and Care
Barrelier’s bugloss is surprisingly easy to grow once you understand its preferences. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade, though it blooms best with plenty of sunlight.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. This Mediterranean native doesn’t appreciate wet feet and can rot in consistently moist conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for much of the continental United States.
Water: Drought tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering as the plant matures.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Spring is the ideal time to plant Barrelier’s bugloss. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage, and dig in some compost if your soil is heavy clay. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
Once established, this plant is refreshingly low-maintenance. It may self-seed in favorable conditions, which can be either a blessing or a concern depending on your gardening style. Deadheading spent flowers can prevent excessive self-seeding while encouraging additional blooms.
Should You Plant It?
As a non-native species, Barrelier’s bugloss doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants. While it does attract some pollinators, native alternatives would better support local wildlife populations.
If you’re drawn to blue flowers and Mediterranean plants, consider these native alternatives instead:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for purple-blue blooms
- Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) for true blue flowers
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for blue-purple fall blooms
However, if you already have Barrelier’s bugloss in your garden or find it irresistible, it’s not known to be invasive or harmful to local ecosystems. Just keep an eye on its self-seeding tendencies and remove unwanted seedlings promptly.
The Bottom Line
Barrelier’s bugloss offers reliable blue blooms and Mediterranean charm with minimal fuss. While native plants are always the best choice for supporting local ecosystems, this unassuming perennial can find a place in gardens where its Old World character is appreciated. Just remember to garden responsibly and consider the many beautiful native alternatives available in your region.
