Echium Species, Viper's Bugloss
Echiumvulgare

Family: Boraginaceae Genus: Echium (EK-ee-um)
Species: vulgare (vul-GAIR-ee)

Category

Biennials
Perennials

Water Requirements

Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Foliage

Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer

Foliage Color

Unknown

Height

18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing

12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Where to Grow

Unknown

Danger

Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color

Magenta (pink-purple)
Dark Blue
Blue-Violet

Bloom Characteristics

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

May be a noxious weed or invasive

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Propagation Methods

From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting

Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored