Viper’s Bugloss

(Echium vulgare)

Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare)

D. Gordon E. Robertson

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: D. Gordon E. Robertson

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Echium vulgare, commonly known as Viper’s Bugloss, is a biennial herb that can behave as an annual or perennial depending on conditions, native to a variety of habitats including dry, open fields, and disturbed sites across Europe, parts of Asia, and the Caucasus region. It typically grows to 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and is characterized by its rough, hairy, oblanceolate leaves. The plant is notable for its inflorescences, which are branched spikes of flowers that start pink and mature to a vivid blue, each flower measuring 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) with conspicuous red stamens protruding against the blue petals. The unique combination of blue pollen and red filaments adds to its ornamental value. Viper’s Bugloss blooms from May to September in the Northern Hemisphere, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Viper’s Bugloss is valued for its striking flowers and ability to attract wildlife, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and as a feature in ornamental borders. It is relatively low maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, and is drought-resistant once established. The cultivar ’Blue Bedder’ has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its garden performance. While it thrives in full sun, it can also handle part shade and is adaptable to various drainage conditions. However, gardeners should be aware that Echium vulgare can self-seed prolifically and may become invasive, particularly in North America where it is not native. It is recommended to deadhead spent flowers to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-2.5 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to a variety of habitats including dry, open fields, and disturbed sites across Europe, parts of Asia, and the Caucasus region

Other Names

Common Names: Common Viper’s Bugloss, Blueweed, Common Echium, Common Vipersbugloss, Blue Echium, Blue Thistle, Blue-Devil, Viper’s-Bugloss, Blue Devil, Blou-Echium

Scientific Names: , Echium vulgare, Echium vulgare var. vulgare, Echium vulgare var. parviflorum, Echium vulgare f. albiflorum, Echium argentii, Echium lusitanicum, Echium molle, Echium spinescens, Echium vulgare f. vulgare

GBIF Accepted Name: Echium vulgare L.