Description
Borage (Borago officinalis) is a hardy annual herb in the borage family (Boraginaceae), celebrated for its brilliant star-shaped flowers, which are usually vivid blue but can also be found in a rarer white form. Native to the Mediterranean, it has naturalised widely and is valued both in the kitchen and the garden. Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of poorer soils and dry conditions once established. Plants grow quickly, reaching around 60–90 cm tall and 30–60 cm wide, with coarse, hairy leaves and hollow stems.
In the garden, borage is much loved as a pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects in abundance. It self-seeds readily, making it a reliable annual presence in cottage gardens and food forests. As a culinary herb, the cucumber-flavoured leaves are sometimes added fresh to salads or drinks (though they are best young and tender), while the edible flowers add a striking garnish to desserts, ice cubes, or summer drinks. Borage also has a history of use as a medicinal herb, traditionally associated with uplifting the spirit, easing stress, and supporting the adrenal system. It is sometimes grown as a companion plant, said to improve the growth and flavour of strawberries, tomatoes, and squash.
