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ECHIUM vulgare 'Blue Bedder'

Image of Echium vulgare 'Blue Bedder'

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Biennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Blue, Blue Violet

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes