Echium plantagineum Seeds | Purple Viper’s-bugloss
LATIN NAME: Echium plantagineum
COMMON NAME: Purple Viper’s-bugloss
Plant Profile
Purple Viper’s-bugloss (Echium plantagineum) is a robust, upright, biennial. Plant steadily develops a rounded crown, often reaching 5-10 metres. Choose full sun and deep, fertile ground for this plant. At maturity it stands about 5-10 metres. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Echium plantagineum ranges from the botany of the Echium group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Purple vipers-bugloss has a genuine and interesting place in both agricultural and ecological research. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Purple Viper’s-bugloss brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, purple vipers-bugloss is a generous flower for bees. Its bright purple spikes feed honey bees and other pollinators in early spring, when little else is in flower, and it is a lifesaver for bee industry, while its seeds feed small birds. Its economic value lies mainly in its value to bees. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Viper’s bugloss is one of the finest honey plants in the world, and its seed oil is uniquely rich in stearidonic acid, a rare omega-3 studied as a plant-based alternative to fish oil.
Growing from Seed
Raising Purple Viper’s-bugloss from seed is straightforward. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in full sun until the seedlings are well up. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Reaching 5-10 metres, it needs room to show its full form. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
Related Reading
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