James H. Schutte
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
ECHIUM vulgare 'Blue Bedder'
Plant Common Name
Blue Bedder Bugloss, Common Viper's Bugloss
General Description
A compact, blue-flowered selection of a bristly Eurasian biennial, 'Blue Bedder' blooms its first year if sown in early spring.
Rosettes of rough, lance-shaped leaves give rise to conical clusters of small, violet-blue, funnel-shaped blooms on calf-high stems. Seedlings started in early spring bloom from early to late summer; those started in fall bloom from late spring to midsummer the following year. Plants usually self-sow abundantly if not deadheaded.
This bee, butterfly, and hummingbird magnet thrives in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Deadhead to prolong bloom and to prevent self-sowing. The bristly leaves and stems may cause skin irritation. Viper's bugloss works well in bedding schemes, mixed borders, and meadow plantings. It is listed as a noxious weed in Australia, New Zealand, and portions of the United States and Canada.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Biennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Blue, Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Mixed Border, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes