Echium vulgare

Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss) 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.

For best results grow Echium vulgare 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.