DESCRIPTION: This is a group of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials found wild in China and India. They grow from 18 inches to 3 feet high. C. nervosum is a perennial that forms clumps of oval to oblong, green basal leaves; thinner leaves grow along the stems. Small, bright blue flowers, which resemble Forget-Me-Nots, are produced in small clusters early in the summer. C. amabile is a biennial that produces white, pink, or blue flowers in June and July.
POTTING: Hound's-Tongue, as these plants are commonly called, can be grown in moist garden soil that has good drainage. The soil shouldn't be too fertile or the plants will become leafy and limp. Grow them in full sun.
PROPAGATION: Increase your plants by division in the spring, or be sowing seeds in the fall or spring.
VARIETIES: C. nervosum; C. amabile; C. officinale; C. Blue Gem; C. annual blue.