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Annual BiennialSynonym
Echium lycopsis
purple viper's bugloss
A hairy-leaved, rosette-forming annual or biennial to 75cm, often seen growing wild in south west England. In summer it produces funnel-shaped, purple flowers; these emerge from pink buds
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Echium can be annuals, biennials, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple, coarsely hairy leaves and funnel-shaped flowers borne in panicles or dense spikes in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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