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Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
1-2 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Echium vulgare
Other names
Viper's bugloss, Viper's herb, North American blueweed, Snake flower, Viper's grass, Blueweed, Bugloss, Cat's tail, Adderwort, Blue devil, Blue thistle
Genus
Echium Echium
Species
E. vulgare - E. vulgare is a biennial that produces spikes of blue bell-shaped flowers in summer.
Echium vulgare is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Severe discomfort may result if any part of the plant is ingested. Foliage may cause skin irritation.
Flower
Blue in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Glasshouse whitefly , Slugs Glasshouse whitefly , Slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 13-16C in late summer.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Wildflower
Cultivation
Sow seeds in-situ in spring or under glass. Echiums need to grow in full sun in free-draining soil. They may be left to self-seed after flowering if desired.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Echium vulgare
Other names
Viper's bugloss, Viper's herb, North American blueweed, Snake flower, Viper's grass, Blueweed, Bugloss, Cat's tail, Adderwort, Blue devil, Blue thistle
Genus
Echium Echium
Species
E. vulgare - E. vulgare is a biennial that produces spikes of blue bell-shaped flowers in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
Severe discomfort may result if any part of the plant is ingested. Foliage may cause skin irritation.
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Colour
Flower
Blue in Summer
Foliage
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation
Sow seed at 13-16C in late summer.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Wildflower
Cultivation
Sow seeds in-situ in spring or under glass. Echiums need to grow in full sun in free-draining soil. They may be left to self-seed after flowering if desired.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
Deadheading Echium 'Blue Bedder'
Viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare)
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