Vipers Bugloss where to get plants

[animartco]

[quote=Susie;626037]I had several plants, bought from Naturescape, a few years ago and they flowered but I didn't get any seedlings from them. They didn't seem to thrive in my garden but then I don't see them growing wild around here either. I guess there is a lot to be said for sticking to your local wild plants.[/QUOTE
Susie and Pete- Since Pete is so impatient, I suppose you both know that biennials take to years to mature? This is why you need to sew for two years consecutively, or you will only get flowers every other year. The seedlings are usually plentiful but they hug the ground, and do not resemble the parent plant very closely.

[Susie]

Yes, I do know that.

The seedlings may be plentiful where they suit the conditions, but not here.

[animartco]

Originally Posted by Susie

Yes, I do know that.

The seedlings may be plentiful where they suit the conditions, but not here.

Sorry Susie. Thought it was worth pointing out just in case.

[Johnny Redgate]

Originally Posted by metalfish

Viper's bugloss prefer thin, well draining soil with very little nutrient in it, give'm too much pampering or a rich soil and they don't thrive.

I've seen them thriving on chalk downland, thin soil accumulated on top of old asphalt pathways and on sandy soils by the sea so as long as your soil isn't at the 'very' degree of alkaline or acid then I don't think that'll be a problem

Not logical but that's evolution for you!

MF is absolutely right about its ecological preferences. But these are often determined with reference to competition from other plants. So on nutrient rich soils VB is likely to be outcompeted by faster growing species that utilise the conditions more efficiently. There is no reason why VB shouldn't grow from seed in compost (or soil), and that's how plants are grown in the nurseries. Expecting seed to self-set in rich soil in the face of competetion from other plants is asking too much, but there is no reason why you shouldn't collect seed, grow it on as plugs/plants and plant out when robust for a good show - especially if you are going to keep potential competitors in check.

[SGHILLUSTRATION]

I've been after them for my garden too - are they very fussy about where they go? Not sure i have the right growing conditions

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by SGHILLUSTRATION

I've been after them for my garden too - are they very fussy about where they go? Not sure i have the right growing conditions

They will grow in quite a range of soils and conditions but prefer dry, bare ground, preferably slightly alkaline.
Dorts.