Echium plantagineum aka Purple Viper's Bugloss

Taxonomy

Echium plantagineum, also known as purple viper's-bugloss or Patterson's curse, is a species of the Echium genus. It is native to western and southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, but has been introduced to Australia, South Africa, and the United States, where it has become an invasive weed. The name "Echium" comes from the Greek word for viper, and the plant's nutlets resemble the head of a viper. The genus includes around 70 different species and subspecies that are native to Europe, Central Asia, the Macaronesian islands, and North Africa. The shrubs of the Echium have a tall crown, and some can grow up to 12 feet tall. Purple Viper's-Bugloss is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering and direct light to thrive. It belongs to the Echium genus and is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Due to its high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, Echium plantagineum is poisonous to grazing livestock, especially horses. The plant is best suited for soil beds and can be easily grown from seeds planted from February to May. When repotted each time it doubles in size, fertilizers are not necessary.

Common names

Purple Viper's Bugloss, Paterson's Curse

How to care for Purple Viper's Bugloss

Difficulty

Purple Viper's Bugloss is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Purple Viper's Bugloss should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Purple Viper's Bugloss loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Purple Viper's Bugloss requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Purple Viper's Bugloss will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Purple Viper's Bugloss to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Purple Viper's Bugloss is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The Purple Viper's Bugloss should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia