Echium vulgare, commonly known as Viper’s Bugloss, is a striking biennial or short-lived perennial valued for its vivid blue flower spikes and exceptional wildlife appeal. From late spring through summer, tall, upright stems are clothed in masses of funnel-shaped flowers that open pink in bud before maturing to an intense cobalt blue.
Its narrow, bristly foliage forms a low rosette in the first year, followed by strong flowering stems in the second. The nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, wildlife gardens and naturalistic planting schemes.
Viper’s Bugloss thrives in full sun and well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soils, including sandy and chalky conditions. Drought tolerant once established, it is particularly suited to dry banks, coastal gardens and gravel areas.
Key Features:
- Tall spikes of vivid blue summer flowers
- Highly attractive to pollinators
- Ideal for wildflower and meadow planting
- Tolerant of dry, poor soils
- Fully hardy in the UK
A resilient and eye-catching native wildflower, Echium vulgare brings vibrant colour, height and biodiversity value to sunny, free-draining sites.
Echium Vulgaris (Vipers Bugloss)
Plant Factfile
Height 60-90cm Spread 30-45cm Soil Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil; tolerates sandy, chalky and gravelly conditions Flowers Spikes of vivid blue flowers (opening pink in bud), June to September Position Full sun Hardiness H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.