Annual

Echium vulgare

Viper'S Bugloss
Loved by Pollinators Hardiness H7

Blue funnel-shaped flowers with projecting red stamens line the bristly stems of Echium vulgare from early summer into autumn. Commonly known as viper’s bugloss, this drought-tolerant wildflower thrives in sunny, poor soil and is exceptionally valuable to bees and other pollinators.
SKU: ECHI-70-Y
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Flowering Months
Jan J
Feb F
Mar M
Apr A
May M
Jun J
Jul J
Aug A
Sep S
Oct O
Nov N
Dec D
Size
Max Height
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Max Spread
0.1 m — 0.5 m
Growth Habit
Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups.
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.
West South North East
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
(< −20 °C) Extremely 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
  • Coastal Areas
  • Flower Borders
Merits
  • Generally disease-free
  • Loved By Pollinators
  • No pruning required

Echium vulgare Description

Echium vulgare is an upright biennial or short-lived perennial with a basal rosette of rough, bristly leaves. In its flowering year, branching stems carry numerous pink buds that open into vivid blue funnel-shaped flowers with prominent reddish stamens. The blooms continue over a long summer period and provide an excellent source of nectar for bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Growing around 60 to 90cm, it suits wildflower gardens, dry banks, gravel areas and naturalistic planting. Sow or plant in full sun in poor, freely draining soil, avoiding rich ground that encourages weak growth. It tolerates drought and exposure once established. The plant self-seeds readily, and its coarse hairs may irritate bare skin.

Planting Guide for Echium vulgare

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Care guide for Echium vulgare

Items must be returned within 30 days after receiving your order. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, be unworn/unused, have any tags still attached, and include all the original packaging.

Uses for Echium vulgare & Garden Styles it suits

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