Description

Giant Viper’s Bugloss

Giant Viper’s Bugloss also known as the Tower of Jewels. Its botanical name is Echium pininana. It is a perennial plant originally from the Canary Islands. Growing to between 2.5 and 4 metres high.  We have recently seen a 7 m tall specimen, a rarity. Looking almost Jurassic in appearance, you almost expect a dinosaur to walk past. And, producing pretty blue or blue-pink flowers during spring and summer, attracting bees and other valuable pollinators. The leaves possess coarse hairs.

It is tolerant of most well-drained soils, acid, alkaline and neutral soils. Growing well in chalk, loam and sandy soils.

Because it is not native to Britain, it requires a reasonably sheltered position in full sun. However, there have been many reports of it growing under tree canopies. As shown in the image, the plant is quite happy under pine trees. However, we recommend planting in a reasonably sheltered and sunny position for the best display of flowers.

It takes around 16 to 24 months (sometimes longer because nature dictates her own rules) to reach its ultimate height.

It can also be seen dotted around Chester Zoo in Cheshire, UK. Also in botanical gardens and the famous village of Portmeirion in Wales (the fantastic TV show The Prisoner was filmed there). Many are dotted around parts of the UK such as Poole, Bournemouth, the Northwest of England, parts of Wales and the Isle of White.

This is a must-have plant for those who want a Jurassic style look to their gardens. A dramatic plant well-suited to milder parts of the UK.

When buying live plants, follow the instructions below.

On arrival, give the plant a light watering. This plant is best planted in a sheltered part of the garden about 1 metre (39 inches) away from other plants to allow the leaves to spread and grow to their full beauty. Allow enough space for it to reach its full height (Avoid overhead telephone or power lines). Although this plant is fairly cool hardy, it is advisable to cover the plant with a little bracken or wood chippings for the winter period. Also, you should remove dead leaves. This ensures you will continue to enjoy this amazing plant.

The supplied live plant height is approximately 3–8 inches (approx 75 mm to 200 mm).

If buying the seeds, when available, follow the instructions below.

Sow between May to early August to a depth of about 2-3 mm in a general purpose compost in a greenhouse, conservatory, or on a window sill. Germination needs exposure to full sun and takes between 14–20 days at about 18 to 21°c. Transplant the seedlings to an 8 cm pot and allow the plant to over-winter. Plant in the garden the following spring.

Note: When handling the plant, wear gloves, because the leaves can irritate the skin. Do not ingest any part of the plant because it can cause stomach upset.