Growing Guides
Echium vulgare

Wildflowers

Echium vulgare

Viper's-bugloss

RHS Plants for Pollinators

Rosettes of bristly foliage at the base, the flowers emerge on tall leafy stems through summer. The bell-shaped flowers are loved by pollinators. A good choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Can be used in mixed borders as well as in wild areas or meadows.

Plant type
Biennial
Position
Full Sun
Height
90cm
Spread
45cm

Growing calendar

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Sow outdoors
Flowering

Sowing & growing

Direct sow outside in March-May or Aug-Sep into well-drained, prepared soil, raked to a fine tilth, preferably in a sunny location. Sow finely in drills 30cm apart. Seed should be lightly covered with 5-6mm of soil or just raked into the surface. Keep watered until seedlings have established. When large enough to handle, thin out to 50cm spacing between plants.

Aftercare

Deadheading will encourage more flowers. Leave some spent flowers on the plant if you would like it to self-seed. Otherwise pull out plant at the end of season and compost.

Ref. SEE003

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