About
Echium vulgare, viper's bugloss, is a densely branched, erect biennial to 90 cm tall with lance-shaped, bristly-hairy leaves and dense cylindrical spires of pendant, bell-like, violet-blue flowers in early summer. A classic wildflower of chalk grassland and shingle, and one of the most valuable of all plants for bees and bumblebees.
About the genus
Echium are annuals, biennials, evergreen perennials and shrubs with coarsely hairy leaves and funnel-shaped flowers borne in panicles or dense, branching spikes in summer in shades of blue, purple, pink, white or red. Popular border and wildlife plants, excellent for bees.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for annual border or wildlife garden
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs or glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free