Viper's Bugloss
Echium vulgarefam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. 645E — Echium vulgare
Echium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgareEchium vulgare
IOverview
Overview
Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a biennial or perennial forb belonging to the Lamiaceae family and can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and some Mediterranean islands. Native to Albania, Altay, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions, this plant has adapted to various soil types, thriving in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 6.5–7. Known for its ornamental value and edible leaves, Viper's Bugloss is also recognized for its ability to grow up to 0.9 meters tall. One distinctive feature sets it apart: its vivid blue flowers that resemble those of other members of the mint family but are uniquely shaped like a viper’s head, hence its common name.
Quick answers
What is Viper's Bugloss?
Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a biennial or perennial forb belonging to the Lamiaceae family and can be found across Europe, parts of Asia, and some Mediterranean islands.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Viper's Bugloss thrives in light to medium and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 6.5–7. It prefers dry to moist conditions and can tolerate various habitats. This biennial or perennial plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-drained but retains moisture adequately. Propagate via seed in spring for best results. Given its hardy nature, it is generally suitable for temperate regions. Harvest leaves for culinary use during the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Viper's Bugloss for the first time
8steps
Start with Viper's Bugloss as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or as a biennial in fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil; amend if necessary for pH 6.5–7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds or start young plants indoors, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch helps retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not deadheading flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Viper's Bugloss are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared by cooking to enhance their palatability. SKIP
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 645eb6f7-2061-4af5-bb04-204e9e32fe99
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