Bristly haired, perennial herb to over 1 m tall. Leaves oblong to lanceolate or ovate. Flowers mostly bright blue, to 2 cm wide, the calyx lobes cut almost to the base; spring. [A. italica Retz.]

Mediterranean

A range of flower colour cultivars are listed, some of which are of uncertain parentage, including: A. 'Feltham Pride', which grows to about 90 cm tall with clear blue flowers; and A. 'Royal Blue', which grows over 1 m tall with vivid blue flowers. A. 'Blue Angel' and A. 'China Blue' are also listed.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Boraginaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.