Red-flowered Viper's Grass (Pontechium Maculatum) is a biennial herb in the Boraginaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Pontechium maculatum is a biennial herbaceous plant known for its striking red flower spikes and spotted leaves, native to Central Europe and parts of Turkey.

Red-flowered Viper's Grass

Red-flowered Viper's Grass

Pontechium Maculatum

Pontechium maculatum is a biennial herbaceous plant known for its striking red flower spikes and spotted leaves, native to Central Europe and parts of Turkey.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
biennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
5-8

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, gravelly
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:ornamental, pollinator attraction

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Red-flowered Viper's Grass

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Red-flowered Viper's Grass
Red-flowered Viper's Grass detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Boraginaceae
Genus:Pontechium