Borago officinalis (Borráiste gorm)

Borage, also known as starflower, is an annual well-known all over Europe, but originally hails from the Mediterranean. Growing up to 60cm high on hairy stems with long ovate leaves, its blue star-shaped flowers are a sight and will brighten up any summer salad from May to September. Bees flock to Borage and it is indeed often planted especially for them. However, Borage has a long history in traditional medicine and is said to, among other things, drive away melancholia: 'Borage brings courage'.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Edible flowers and leaves, pollinator plant
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 2ft (0.6m) Spread: up to 2ft (0.6m)