Red-flowered Viper’s Grass, Russian Bugloss

A bushy biennial subshrub with stunning upward spires of ruby pink over a foot long opening in Summer. Echium russicum produces pointed mid-green soft fuzzy leaves down the lower half of each flowering stem in the 1st year, which are then followed by funnel-shaped flowers growing up the top of the stem in year two. Like other Echium, russicum is a bee magnet. A low maintenance plant so vigorous in growth it makes a quick gap filler. Echium russicum looks lovely as a stand alone specimen. Suitable for growing in containers and an unusual cut flower. Russian Bugloss looks good in any mixed border. Partners well with Echium candicans and ornamental grasses like Chionochloa flavicans where it would mingle well in either a grass scape or Mediterranean theme.

Site: Tolerant of some exposure
Soil: Most well-drained (intolerant of winter wet)
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Pink flowers in Summer
Hardiness: Hardy down to -10
Height: 3ft (1m) Spread: 1.5ft (0.45m)