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Echium pininana

Giant Viper'S Bugloss

RHS Award of Garden Merit Hardiness H3

A towering spike covered with thousands of blue flowers rises above the large leaf rosette of Echium pininana in its second or third year. This spectacular biennial needs a sheltered, sunny position and space for a flowering stem that can exceed 3 metres.
SKU: ECHI-62-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, not a flowering month
June, not a flowering month
July, flowering month
August, flowering month
September, flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Max Spread
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Growth Habit
Tall, narrow growth habit with strongly vertical main stems.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H3 (−5 to +1 °C) Half-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Coastal Areas
  • Flower Borders
  • Against Wall
Merits
  • Generally disease-free
  • No pruning required
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit

Echium pininana Description

Echium pininana, commonly called tower of jewels, begins as a substantial rosette of long, hairy green leaves. After one or more seasons of growth, it produces a dramatic column of blue to blue-purple flowers that can reach 3 to 4 metres in height and attract countless bees. The flowering plant dies after setting seed, but seedlings often appear nearby where winters are mild. Grow in full sun in freely draining soil and shelter the tall stem from strong Irish winds. It is most dependable in mild coastal gardens, while young rosettes may need frost protection inland. Allow ample space and handle the bristly foliage carefully. Remove unwanted seedlings before they become established if natural spread is not desired.

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