Echium vulgare ‘Blue Bedder’ | viper’s bugloss

Description

Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a showy biennial with masses of charming blue flowers and a long bloom time. Some gardeners love the species plant, others consider the it an aggressive weed for its ability to self-seed and its long tap root which can be difficult to remove. ‘Blue Bedder’ is an exceptional variety that is far less of a thug than the straight species. It is also more floriferous and the blooms are more brightly colored.

Happiest in poor, well-drained soil in full sun. Too much fertility will increase foliage production and decrease the bloom show.

Fun fact: It was once believed that this plant could cure the bite of a viper – hence the common name.  

Growers note: Our plants germinated in July 2025 and are expected to bloom in 2026.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Boraginaceae
Type: Biennial
Height: 12 to 24 in.
Spread: 12 to 24 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Well-drained, dry, sandy, gritty
Bloom Time: May to August
Bloom Color: Violet-blue
Native Range: Europe and Asia
Common Names: viper’s bugloss, blue devil, blue thistle, blueweed

syn. Echium lycopsis ‘Blue Bedder’