Cynoglossum officinale
hound's tongue
A softly hairy biennial to about 70cm tall, initially forming a basal rosette of grey-green, elliptic-oblong leaves to 12cm long, and in the second year producing loose clusters of dark purple-red flowers during summer
Other common names
common dog's tonguecommon hound's tongue
see moredog bur
gypsy flower
rose noble
sheep lice
Tory weed
wood mat
beggar's lice
tafod y ci
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or ·¡²¹²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Europe, W Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well in dry, gravely ground and on coastal sandy soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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