Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss) — dense spikes of brilliant, bright blue upturned bells opening from pink buds. A good pick for pollinators, full sun to thrive and produce its signature vibrant blue colour.
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🌿 Grown at our London nursery — collect in person or arrange local delivery
📦 Dispatched within 3 business days via Royal Mail
Product features
Botanical name: Echium vulgare
Common name: Viper's bugloss, Blueweed
Height: 30cm to 80cm
Spread: 30cm to 50cm
Foliage: Hairy, bristly, narrow green leaves, rosette-forming base
Flower: Dense spikes of brilliant, bright blue upturned bells from pink buds
Attractive to wildlife: Yes — exceptional nectar source for bees and butterflies
Soil Type: Poor, sandy, gravelly, chalky, well-drained soil
Drought tolerant: Yes, highly resilient in arid conditions
Hardy: Fully hardy throughout the UK
Position: Full sun, loves hot, exposed spots
Evergreen: No, usually biennial or short-lived perennial
Suitable for: Wildflower meadows, gravel gardens, coastal banks
Materials and care
Light: Requires full sun for its signature vibrant blue colour
Aspect: Hot, open south- or west-facing meadows or gravel gardens
Soil type: Poor, lean, sandy, or gravelly soils with minimal nutrients
Drainage: Exceptional, sharp drainage required
Watering: Water sparingly until established
Deadheading: Cut back spent spikes for a secondary flush
End of season: Leave dried stalks for wildlife or cut back in late autumn
Propagation: Biennial or short-lived, best by self-seeding
