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Description
Echium Italicum, also known as Italian viper’s bugloss or pale bugloss, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Italy and Mediterranean regions but is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its beautiful flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Echium |
Appearance
Echium Italicum can grow up to 60-90 cm tall and 30-60 cm wide. It has lance-shaped leaves that are hairy and gray-green in color. The flowers are produced on tall spikes that can reach up to 90 cm in height. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five petals that are pale pink or white in color, and have a yellow center. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, and the flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Echium Italicum prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during the first few weeks after planting to establish roots. The plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Echium Italicum is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Echium Italicum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, which can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can also occur, but can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Echium Italicum is native to Italy and Mediterranean regions, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils in open fields, hillsides, and along roadsides. It is widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Echium Italicum poisonous?
A: No, Echium Italicum is not poisonous.
Q: Can I grow Echium Italicum in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Echium Italicum in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Echium Italicum?
A: Echium Italicum can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Can Echium Italicum tolerate frost?
A: Echium Italicum is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C).
Related Plants
- Echium amoenum
- Echium fastuosum
- Echium pininana
- Echium wildpretii
References
- “Echium Italicum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287241&isprofile=0&.
- “Echium Italicum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/212139/echium-italicum/details.
- “Echium Italicum.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/echium-italicum-plant-profile-4848825.
