Borage 'Alba'

'Alba' is the sophisticated white-flowered version of the common blue borage. It is a vigorous, bristly annual that is incredibly easy to grow from seed in any UK garden. Reaching about 60-90cm in height, it produces clusters of star-shaped, pure white flowers with prominent black anthers. The flowers and young leaves have a refreshing cucumber taste; the flowers are traditionally frozen into ice cubes or used to garnish Pimm's and salads. It is one of the best plants for honeybees and bumblebees, as the nectar re-fills remarkably quickly. It is a self-seeding plant, often appearing year after year once established in a border. It isn't fussy about soil type but does require a sunny position to flower well. Its large, hairy leaves can be used as a mulch or added to the compost heap as a green activator. It grows rapidly and can handle the variable British summer weather with ease.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.