Echium 'Blue Bedder'

Echium vulgare is a biennial wildflower, often found in grassy and disturbed situations. It's extremely attractive to pollinators, especially bees. It bears rosettes of slender, bristly foliage, from which upright leafy stems emerge in early summer bearing spikes of violet blue or purple, bell-shaped flowers. It's perfect for growing in a wildlife garden or mini-meadow, but is also suitable for growing at the front of a sunny border.

Echium 'Blue Bedder' has more of a compact habit than the species, has brilliant blue flowers and blooms continuously throughout summer. It makes an excellent cut flower.

For best results grow Echium 'Blue Bedder' in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid cutting stems back after flowering, as these will develop seeds, which will self-sow freely around the garden. Be careful when handling as the sap can irritate the skin and all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.