Patersons curse (Echium Plantagineum) seeds - 100 grams (#2416)

Description Patersons curse (Echium Plantagineum) seeds - 100 grams (#2416)

Purple Viper’s Bugloss (Echium plantagineum) is an annual or biennial from the borage family (Boraginaceae), admired for its vibrant blue to violet flowers and its ability to attract pollinators. Native to southern Europe, it is a hardy, showy wildflower that brings color and vitality to natural gardens and wildflower meadows. It is also valued as one of the best nectar plants for bees.
PLANT APPEARANCE
This plant grows 40–80 cm tall, with upright, branching stems covered in fine hairs. The lance-shaped, ribbed leaves give it a coarse texture. Flowers are tubular, 2–3 cm long, and range in color from deep blue to violet or pink, arranged in dense terminal spikes. It blooms from June to August, providing a stunning display of color and attracting bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil of moderate or low fertility. Avoid overly rich or wet soils.
CARE
Very easy to care for. Requires little watering and no fertilization. Avoid waterlogging. Deadhead to prolong flowering or to prevent self-seeding. Perfect for naturalistic or bee-friendly gardens.
INTERESTING FACT
The name Echium comes from the Greek word echis, meaning “viper,” referring to the flower’s resemblance to a snake’s head. It is a renowned nectar source – one hectare of Echium can yield up to 400 kg of honey. In Australia, it’s known as “Paterson’s curse” for its invasive nature, yet gardeners still value it for its beauty and ecological importance.

Genus - Echium
Species - Plantagineum
Common name - Patersons curse
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 11
Height - 0,40 - 0,80 m
Spread - 0,20 m
Plant type - Annual
Exposure - Full Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil type - Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil
Water requirements - Average, drought tolerant
Landscape uses - Flower gardens, rock gadens. A good bee plant.
Bloom season - May - November
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Purple, violet

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Sow in spring (April–May) directly outdoors or in autumn for natural stratification. Cover seeds lightly (0.5–1 cm deep).
Light is not required for germination.
Ideal temperature: +15…+20 °C.
Germination occurs within 10–20 days.
Space plants 20–25 cm apart.