Echium creticum, commonly known as Cretan Viper’s Bugloss, is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean, specifically to the dry, rocky hillsides and scrublands of Crete and other Greek islands, as well as parts of mainland Greece and Turkey. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This plant is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and dense spikes of blue to purple flowers, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are quite showy, blooming profusely in the spring and continuing into the summer months.

Cretan Viper’s Bugloss is valued for its striking floral display and its ability to attract wildlife, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-themed landscapes. It is drought-tolerant, requiring little water once established, and thrives in full sun. The plant prefers well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but it can self-seed prolifically, potentially becoming weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0