Pontechium maculatum aka Capul Arpelui

Pontechium maculatum is part of the borage family, Boraginaceae. It has the common name red-flowered viper's grass. Its native range spans central Europe to Türkiye and Turkmenistan. It grows in temperate regions, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its old names include Echium rubrum and Echium russicum. Echium maculatum is a third old name. Sources call it a biennial or a short-lived perennial. This means it may live two years or a few years.

The plant first forms a low rosette, or ring of leaves. It then sends up straight growth from this base. Fine, silky hairs coat its grey-green leaves. It sheds its leaves, so it is not evergreen. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. They spread 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] wide. RHS says they reach full size in one to two years. The upright shape adds height but takes up little width. The leaf rosette and flower spikes give two distinct forms.

Dark red blooms line spikes that rise above the leaves. Each flower has a slim shape like a funnel. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a bloom time of June to August. RHS says the flowers bloom in late summer. The blooms form the plant's main garden show. Sources suggest sunny borders, cottage gardens, and loose, informal planting. They also suggest wild gardens and spaces managed for natural growth. Other sites include beds by walls and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its slim shape suits mixed flower beds and borders.

Give it full sun and soil that drains well. RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as soils it can grow in. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Soil can be dry to moist, but not too moist. The plant copes with drought, but not wet winter soil. Water must drain well, whatever amount the plant gets. RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H4. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 6–8. RHS says to grow it from seed. Young plants do best under glass for their first winter.

It needs no routine pruning, though sources rate overall care as medium. RHS says slugs may cause problems. Both garden sources report few major problems with disease. Missouri Botanical Garden also reports no serious insect problems. The leaves can irritate skin when you touch them. RHS says to wear gloves and other clothes that protect your skin when handling it. The supplied evidence does not show any use as food. Nor does it give grounds to claim safety for pets.