Attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden with this beautiful star shaped flower, much adored by bees. Borage is also known as Star-flower and is an annual wildflower species with bright blue flowers. Borage is easy to grow and is an extremely beneficial plant for bees and other pollinators. Planting borage supports the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and it is also recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a good plant for pollinators. Borage is a beneficial all-rounder in the cottage garden. It can be grown in beds, borders and meadows, or between crops in the kitchen garden. Borage is easy to establish with a long flowering period from early summer to the first frost of winter and grows to a height of 30-80cm tall. If the seedheads are left on the plant in autumn, borage will self-seed very happily. Contains Borage Borago officinalis Irish grown seed. Contains: 6 grams to cover 2-4 m2 Standard seeds. EC rules and standards. To prepare soil for planting First clear the site of weeds, stones and sticks. Turn the soil and break up any clods, then rake so that you have a fine crumbly surface. If your ground is heavy, or you do not want to or can't turn the soil, then clear of weeds and add a 2-3 layer of sand, soil or compost, or a mix of these, to the surface. Rake over. Do not add fertilizer when planting borage or other wildflowers. For more sowing and maintenance tips, read the sowing instructions below. Plants for pollinators The types of plants and flowers we plant have a huge impact on the wildlife around us, including bees and other insects as well as birds and small mammals. If you would like to further explore plants and their importance for bees, please visit our blog and immerse yourself in the subject. Here are some of the blogs I have written about plants and bees: Plants for Bees Winter - Hanna's Bees (hannasbees.ie) Pollen – benefits for bees & humans - Hanna's Bees (hannasbees.ie)