viper's bugloss
Echium russicum
A rare super hardy Echium! This variety of viper's bugloss boasts dark red flowering panicles that resemble thick pipe cleaners. Flower spikes rise from a basal rosette of hairy leaves in mid-summer. This plant will perennialize and reseed reliably if provided well-drained soil in full sun.
Fun fact: It was once believed that this plant could cure the bite of a viper - hence the common name.
Warning: the leaves of this plant may cause skin irritation
Zones: 5 to 8
Family: Boraginaceae
Type: Deciduous Perennial
Height: 18 to 24 in.
Spread: 24 to 36 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Condition: Dry, Sandy, Well-drained
Bloom Time: June to August
Native Range: the Ukrainian steppes
Special Characteristics
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- Regular price
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$8.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$8.99
ships spring 2025
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Our plants overwinter outdoors where they follow the natural rhythms of the season. We never force our plants to break dormancy early. Admittedly, early-leaf-out is customer pleasing, but it is bad practice both for the long-term health of the plant and for the environment.
Plants shipped in early spring will very likely not be in full leaf. We grow in a cold area (zone 5), which means that customers in warmer climates will likely receive plants behind their own garden schedule. Not to worry though, healthy plants catch up quickly.
Ordering information
Preorders
You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.
We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.
We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.
Shipping
Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.
- 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
- 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
- trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.
Nursery pick up
Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.
If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.
Plant Sizes
We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:
- 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
- 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
- 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)
Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.
Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.
Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.
Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.
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