Echium Vulgare Viper’s bugloss

*Echium vulgare*, commonly known as Viper's Bugloss, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant known for its striking blue to purple flowers and bristly foliage. Here's a guide on how to grow Viper's Bugloss:

**1. Planting Time:**
- Viper's Bugloss can be grown from seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden in the fall or early spring. The plant is a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years.

**2. Location:**
- Choose a location with full sun. Viper's Bugloss prefers well-lit areas.

**3. Soil Preparation:**
- Prepare well-draining, sandy to loamy soil. Viper's Bugloss is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-draining conditions. It can tolerate poor, dry soils.

**4. Planting Seeds:**
- Sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil. Water the area well after planting.

**5. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period. Once established, Viper's Bugloss is drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells to encourage healthy growth.

**6. Mulching:**
- Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid heavy mulching directly over the plants to allow them to receive adequate sunlight.

**7. Growth Habit:**
- Viper's Bugloss can grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet, creating a spiky and upright appearance.

**8. Pruning:**
- While Viper's Bugloss doesn't require extensive pruning, you may choose to deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. However, leaving some seed heads can provide interest in the garden and attract birds.

**9. Self-Seeding:**
- Viper's Bugloss is known to self-seed readily. If you want to control its spread, deadhead the flowers before they produce seeds.

**10. Deer Resistance:**
- Viper's Bugloss is often resistant to deer browsing, making it a good choice in areas where deer are a concern.

**11. Winter Care:**
- Viper's Bugloss is generally hardy and can withstand winter temperatures. In colder climates, it may die back in winter and regrow in the spring.

**12. Wildlife Attraction:**
- The flowers of Viper's Bugloss attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The seed heads provide food for birds.

Viper's Bugloss is a visually appealing plant with its vibrant blue flowers and is well-suited for naturalized or wildflower gardens. Keep in mind its potential for self-seeding, and adjust your care routine based on your specific growing conditions.