The Bloom of the Day for December 10th, 2009 was Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare).
View the bloom of the day here: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/botd.php?date=2009-12-10
December 10th, 2009: Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare) by garygardener
dave
Dec 10, 2009
Gorgeous! So dreamy, makes me want to figure out how to do this!!!
G'Day,
This plant is known as Paterson's curse in NSW & Vic. but in Sth Aust it is "Salvation Jane" because during a big drought it kept sheep alive although not good pasture. It can be toxic to Horses & Cattle in large amounts. Here in Sth Aust. it can be seen in paddocks mixed with "Sour Sobs" Oxalis sp. and the Blue and Yellow are even more spectacular than just the blue.
Both are despised weeds in most farming areas.
Brian
What a Beautiful Sea of Blue, A Wonderful Photo!
Wow I agree it looks very beautiful in this picture ...but it is the curse of the farmer ...it's like baby's breath on steroids.It muscles out the grasses.
Looks it's best in drought conditions ...here in Australia a scene like this is heartbreaking.
It is a stunning picture however.
If you live in a hot arid climate please don't grow it.
Like many things it may not be a weed in your area, but here in Australia it is a horror.
That great picture makes me want to wander out in the middle and lay down for a day of peace and beauty.
Mary
My heavens, that's an incredibly beautiful photo. Congratulations