Echium plantagineum
Purple Viper's Bugloss
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Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Description
Echium plantagineum, commonly known as purple viper's bugloss or Paterson's curse, is a species of Echium native to western and southern Europe (from southern England south to Iberia and east to the Crimea), northern Africa, and southwestern Asia (east to Georgia). It has also been introduced to Australia, South Africa and United States, where it is an invasive weed.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Blooming
Flowers are borne from spring to summer. They attract bees, butterflies, and birds.Soil that is too rich will hinder flower formation.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Growth
Echium grows best with full sun, and thrives in areas with hot summers. Species are drought tolerant, but cannot withstand temperatures below 30ºF. Where hardy, grow Echium in an annual, mixed, or herbaceous border. They also make good container plants. Elsewhere, raise Echium indoors.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Planting
Sow seeds of annuals species in spring; sow perennial and biennial species in summer. Root semi-ripe cuttings of shrubby perennials in midsummer.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Pest
Slugs are known to attack young growth. Other pests include whiteflies and spider mites.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Interesting facts
There are around 40 known species in the genus Echium, native to Europe, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Africa, and W. Asia. The foliage has bristly hairs that can irritate the skin upon contact. No part of the plant is edible.
Purple Viper's Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) - Soil and irrigation
Outdoors, Echium does well with poor, dry soils. For indoor plants, use a standard soil-based potting mix. Water freely during the growing season; water sparingly in winter.
