Viper's Bugloss Seeds

Viper's Bugloss 'Blue Bedder' is an outstanding pollinator plant prized for its brilliant cobalt-blue flower spikes and exceptionally long blooming season. Producing hundreds of nectar-rich blossoms from late spring through summer, this easy-to-grow annual creates a dazzling display of vibrant blue that stands out in borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized landscapes. Its rough, deep green foliage forms sturdy plants that quickly become alive with visiting pollinators.

The abundant tubular flowers are among the finest nectar sources available for honeybees, native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and numerous other beneficial insects. Beekeepers especially value Viper's Bugloss because it produces large quantities of nectar over an extended period, often resulting in distinctive, high-quality honey. Butterflies and other pollinators visit the flowers continuously throughout the day, making Blue Bedder one of the busiest plants in any pollinator garden.

Growing 18 to 30 inches tall, Blue Bedder thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, drought, poor soils, and dry conditions once established. Its rugged nature and extended flowering season make it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, roadside restorations, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Easy to grow from seed, it provides months of dependable color while supporting an impressive diversity of beneficial wildlife.

Specifications
Botanical Name: Echium plantagineum 'Blue Bedder'
Plant Type: Hardy annual
Height: 18–30 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
Flower Color: Brilliant cobalt blue with pink buds
Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerant of poor and sandy soils
Water Needs: Low once established; drought tolerant
Hardiness: Grown as an annual
Bee Attraction: Excellent
Butterfly Attraction: Excellent
Hummingbird Attraction: Good

Seedman Notes
Often considered one of the finest bee plants in the world, Viper's Bugloss 'Blue Bedder' produces an extraordinary abundance of nectar-rich blossoms over many weeks. Its striking blue flowers, exceptional drought tolerance, and remarkable ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects make Echium plantagineum an outstanding addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape.