Echium vulgare (Vipers Bugloss) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Echium vulgare develops a dense basal rosette in its first year, followed by tall, architectural flowering spikes in year two. The rough, bristled stems bear narrow leaves, while the vivid blue, funnel-shaped flowers transition from pink to blue as they mature. These nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects.

Growing conditions: Fully hardy, this biennial thrives in full sun and sharply drained, even poor or gravelly soils. It tolerates coastal exposure and dry conditions well. Being a biennial, it produces foliage only in year one and flowers in year two; allowing some seed to fall naturally will maintain a self-sustaining population.

Traditional & herbal uses: Traditionally valued for reducing fevers, easing headaches, and helping to settle nervous tension. It has also featured in preparations directed at easing inflammatory discomfort.

Maintenance & harvesting: Keep the first-year rosette weed-free so it can build strength for flowering. Harvest young leaves for tea or cordial early in the second year before peak bloom. Wear gloves when handling, as stems and leaves are bristly and may irritate skin. Allow seed heads to dry on the plant if you want it to self-seed, or cut back after seed collection.