Overview
Echium vulgare is a plant with a annuals, biennials, evergreen perennials, shrubs habit in the genus Echium, part of the Boraginaceae family, with bristly, lance-shaped leaves foliage. Echium vulgare grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers, meadows and conservatories.
About
Echium vulgare, known as viper's bugloss and blueweed, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae. It is native to most of Europe and western and central Asia and it occurs as an introduced species in north-eastern North America, south-western South America and the South and North Island of New Zealand.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echium vulgare
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Echium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Echium vulgare size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Annuals, biennials, evergreen perennials, shrubs
- Foliage
- Bristly, lance-shaped leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, meadows, conservatories
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Echium vulgare
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, vine weevil
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Echium vulgare?
Echium vulgare prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Echium vulgare need?
Echium vulgare grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Echium vulgare hardy in the UK?
Echium vulgare has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Echium vulgare?
Seed, cuttings.
More in the Echium genus
Browse all Echium →
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