Description
Echium italicum (syn. E. pyrenaicum) | Italian Vipers Bugloss
Italian Vipers Bugloss, also known as Pale Bugloss and Lady Campbell Weed, is a small flowering biennial native to the Mediterranean Basin- E. Central & S. Europe to Afghanistan, growing primarily in temperate zones.
The flowers are beautiful and unique, simultaneously showing beautiful sky blue and pale pink flowers above a basal, flat rosette of dark grayish-green, coarse leaves. It’s slightly branched pyramidal shape makes it a distinctive member of the Borage family (Boraginaceae), and its stately posture stands out starkly against a bright sky. Italian Vipers Bugloss is nice to look at, but not to touch because the leaves and stalks have prickly hairs all over them, like other Echium species.
Echium italicum is not fussy about its habitat, where it can be found growing in rocky and grassy habitats, abandoned farmland, in pastures, on roadsides, as well as on waste ground. Prefers full sun and fast draining, sandy or well-drained soil.
Sow seeds 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: 3 ft
Mature width- 12-18 inches
Hardiness zones: 8-10
