The viper's bugloss impresses with its appealing blue blossom. If you want to get the perennial into your garden, you should pay attention to the right substrate.
The viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) belongs to the borage family. The plants come in many species. In our latitudes, the common viper's bugloss is mainly cultivated. If you enjoy color in the bed, then you shouldn't miss the "Blauer Heinrich". In addition, the plants are extremely easy to care for and will bring happiness even to beginners. Here you can read what needs to be considered when planting the viper's bugloss.
Plant Description
The viper's bugloss grows biennially or perennial and can reach heights of growth between 30 centimeters and one meter. A striking feature of this plant species are the "bristles", which are located on the leaves and stems. Between May and October, the "Stolze Heinrich" delights with its blossom. The fivefold flowers have petals up to 20 millimeters long. Initially, the flower appears pink or purple. In the later course, the flowers turn to the characteristic deep blue. The fruits of Klausen develop from the flowers, which break up into four parts.
| Bugloss (Echium vulgare) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright, forming rosettes |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Growth: | 40 - 60 cm |
| Flower: | purple, blue, pink; May to October |
| Location: | sunny |
| Floor: | rocky to loamy, dry to moderately dry, poor in humus and nutrients |
Occurrences of the Adderbump
The native bugloss is probably in southern Europe. The plants are now quite common in Central and Western Europe, but have also been widespread in America and Asia since the 19th century. The Viper Bugloss grows on rocky and sandy substrates and is often found along roadsides or railway embankments.
Use of the Adderhead
Today the viper's bugloss is widely known only asOrnamental plant given attention. The plant was once known as a kitchen and medicinal herb. The bugloss leaves are edible and can be prepared in a similar way to spinach. The taste is vaguely reminiscent of cucumbers.
» Tip: The young leaves should be used in salads or vegetables.
The leaves of the plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It is therefore not advisable to consume the viper's bugloss in large quantities. The risk is particularly high in people with liver disease or kidney dysfunction.
Only in old herbal books do we still learn about the healing effect of the viper's bugloss. At that time, the plant was used to treat snake bites or to heal wounds. The leaves can be used to relieve external inflammation. Due to the linoleic acid it contains, the plant is also of interest to the cosmetics industry. The plant can therefore be found as an ingredient in some cosmetic products.
Suitable location for the Viper Bugloss
If we look outdoors, we see that the perennial thrives even in inhospitable places such as poor grassland, railway embankments or embankments. So it can already be guessed that the Adderhead does not make any great demands on its location. Place the undemanding plant in a dry location. The soil should be permeable to prevent waterlogging. This would rot the roots very quickly. A permeable soil is also important for the growth of the plant, because the long taproots dig deep into the earth and provide the plant with nutrients. The viper's bugloss will not die in the shade, but it will not grow and bloom profusely as expected either. A full sun location is ideal for the plants. Since extremely dry soil is tolerated better than any type of moisture, you can also plant the plant in full sun.
Coming up:
• bright
• warm
• sunny
• dry
Ideal substrate for the Viper Bugloss
The substrate should contain as few nutrients as possible. Poor soil, where otherwise hardly any plant really feels at home, is welcome for the Adder's Bugloss. The plants even have the peculiarity of populating areas without any vegetation and thus creating the foundation for the growth of other plants.
» Tip: If the soil is too nutrient-heavy, the viper's bugloss may develop more leaves and be less willing to flower.
Heavy soil is for the plantunfavorable and promote the formation of waterlogging. You can prepare the soil accordingly with sand or grit. The substrate is then not only more permeable, but also emaciated.
In brief:
• dry
• well drained
• rocky
• sandy
• lean
Planting Viper Bugloss - step by step
1. Select location2. Prepare soil
3. Dig planting hole
4. Keep planting distance5. Insert plant
6. Fill up substrate
7. Press plant
8. Water plant
Once you have found a suitable location, the soil should be checked for quality. If the soil is particularly heavy, add sand or gravel. If the ground is dry and stony, you don't have to do anything else. The plants do very well with these soils. Dig out the planting hole at least twice the width of the root ball and insert the viper's bugloss. Be careful not to damage the delicate roots.
» Tip: A planting distance of 40 centimeters is recommended. If you want to plant the Viper Bugloss in a group, plant no more than six plants per square metre.
After the plant has been placed in the ground, the planting hole is closed. Now the plant receives the first watering. The young plant also needs sufficient moisture in the next few weeks to be able to grow well.
Overview of tips and advice for planting
| Measure | Explanation |
| Select Location | A sunny and warm location is ideal for the viper's bugloss. The plants do not like to be planted in the shade. |
| Prepare the ground | The plant also tolerates very dry soil. Pay attention to the permeability of the substrate, otherwise waterlogging can occur and the taproots cannot spread into the soil. If you mix sand or gravel under the soil, the soil becomes looser and therefore more permeable. |
| Plant Viper Bugloss | When planting, be careful not to damage the delicate roots. If the viper's bugloss is to stand in a group, six plants fit on one square meter. The young plants should initially be watered regularly. |
» Tip: Shallow planters are not suitable for the viper's bugloss because the taproots reach deep into the ground.
InYou can help prevent waterlogging at the bottom of the vessel by installing a drainage system made of gravel or clay granules. Liquid builds up quickly in the bottom, especially in buckets. Do not place the bucket in a trivet that could fill with water that is then forgotten to be poured out.
Is the Viper Bugloss poisonous?
There is no acute risk of poisoning for humans. However, pets should stay away from the Bugloss. Those who are sensitive can suffer skin irritations from touching the leaves. This can lead to dermatitis. Excessive consumption may cause stomach upset.