Anchusa capensis arrived in cultivation from the scrubby coastal regions of South Africa, and it carries some of that toughness with it. Growing 8 to 18 inches tall on erect, bristly stems, it tolerates poor dry soil and hot positions where more fashionable annuals sulk and bolt. The flowers themselves are a brilliant gentian-blue, small but produced in generous succession from early to late summer. New stem growth emerges an unexpected bright red, giving the plant a quiet visual interest even before the blooms open.

Deer largely leave it alone, and beneficial insects — particularly butterflies — arrive reliably for the nectar. One useful trick: shear the whole plant back by about 3 inches after the first flush of flowers fades, and it will push a fresh round of bloom. Wear gloves when doing so, as the rough leaves can irritate bare skin. It self-sows freely in mild winter areas, which is either a gift or a problem depending on your tolerance for spontaneity. In pollinator gardens and containers alike, it earns its space through sheer unassuming reliability.