Viper's bugloss
Echium vulgare · Boraginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant viper's bugloss: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to September
- Adult size
- 0.3 to 1 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean and Central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rather poor to medium
Care
Exposure
Install your viper's bugloss in full sun for optimal flowering. It tolerates partial shade as well, but blooms less generously. A well-exposed location promotes its vigor and development.
Watering
Once established, viper's bugloss is very tolerant of drought. Water moderately during the growing period, especially young plants. In summer, occasional watering is sufficient; avoid excess moisture which could cause rot.
Soil
Viper's bugloss prefers light, well-drained soil, ideally poor to medium. It also adapts to chalky and rocky terrain. Avoid compact and permanently wet soils.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is generally not necessary. On very poor soil, a light balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to prolong flowering and prevent uncontrolled self-seeding. Light pruning in late winter cleans up the plant. As it is annual or biennial depending on conditions, severe pruning is generally not necessary.
Diseases and pests
Viper's bugloss is very robust and not sensitive to common diseases. Excess moisture can encourage root rot. Watch for aphids in spring, but the plant generally recovers well without intervention.
Propagation
Sow seeds directly in place in spring or autumn. It naturally self-seeds once established. Sowing is very easy and requires no particular stratification.
Did you know?
Common viper's bugloss owes its name to the shape of its flowers and the appearance of its pinkish stems, which reminded the ancients of snake skin. In the Middle Ages, it was believed to have virtues against snake bites, hence its use in traditional medicine. Its blue-violet flowers are a real boon for foragers, particularly wild bees and butterflies that adore them.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.