Echium vulgare aka Viper's Bugloss

Caring for Viper's Bugloss is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

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

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.

Viper's Bugloss requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Blue Echium is always in the right place to thrive.

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.

Repotting the Viper's Bugloss should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Viper's Bugloss’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Urals and W. Asia.