Photo: Karen FryCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Creeping Borage Plant Care
Borago pygmaea (DC.) Chater & Greuter
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its fuzzy, silver-green leaves and delicate blue flowers, this plant originates from the dry, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique appearance and ability to thrive in hot, arid climates, making it a desirable addition to xeriscape gardens.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Creeping Borage?
Water Creeping Borage every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Creeping Borage Native To?
What Is the Creeping Borage?
Creeping Borage (Borago pygmaea) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Borago genus. Creeping Borage is native to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Capraia.
Creeping Borage displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Creeping Borage produces bright blue star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Creeping Borage?
Borago pygmaea requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Creeping Borage Need?
Creeping Borage thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Creeping Borage Prefer?
Borago pygmaea grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Creeping Borage prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Creeping Borage?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Borage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Creeping Borage?
Feed Creeping Borage every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Creeping Borage?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Creeping Borage?
Creeping Borage can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to borage plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Creeping Borage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Creeping Borage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Creeping Borage?
Creeping Borage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Creeping Borage Need?
Creeping Borage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Creeping Borage is native to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Capraia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Creeping Borage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Borago genus — compare its care with other Borago species on PlantoScan.
Borago is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Creeping Borage thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Borago pygmaea (DC.) Chater & Greuter, family Boraginaceae (first published in Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 65: 261 (1972)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Creeping Borage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Karen Fry, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Creeping Borage Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species