Description
Echium strictum ssp. exasperatum | Strict Vipers Bugloss
Strict Vipers Bugloss Echium, also known as Tower Bugloss, is a small semi-evergreen shrub native to the Canary Islands (Northwest Tenerife). It’s a subshrub or shrub that grows primarily in subtropical biome. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces small blue, pink and white flowers the change color throughout the season, giving a dazzling look. We had three plants we grew from seed. Each had different color pastel flowers, stayed short and stocky and flowered both during early summer and then again going into autumn. These seeds were collected from all three plants.
Strict Vipers Bugloss is nice to look at, but not to touch because the leaves and stalks are armed with prickly hairs like other Echium species.
Grows in dry, rocky soils and is drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun and fast draining, sandy or well-drained soil. Habitats include gravelly or sandy areas along railroads, and roadsides, old abandoned fields, pastures, and waste areas.
Sow seed in the spring, by barely covering with sand or soil, or start indoors with heat, humidity, and light.
These seeds are not easily to collect and are extremely rare to find in cultivation. We are the only company in the US and perhaps the world to currently offer these seeds.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 2-3 ft
Mature width- 2-3 ft
Hardiness zones: 9-12