About
This evergreen biennial or short-lived perennial producing a mounded rosette of bristly, narrow, dark green leaves. From late spring until the frost, upright stems 20cm-40cm tall support spires of bell-shaped flowers, red at first, fading to pink or purple.
About the genus
Echium can be annuals, biennials, evergreen perennials or shrubs, with simple, coarsely hairy leaves and funnel-shaped flowers borne in panicles or dense spikes in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
Native toTranscaucasus to NW Iran
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, very well drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs or glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free