About
A triennial plant that in its first and second year forms a rosette to 60cm across, composed of rough, lance-shaped leaves. In its third summer it throws up a huge (4m) flower spike, compactly set with thousands of small purple-blue flowers; these are irrisistible to bees.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, freely-draining soil in a sheltered, sunny, warm site. Protect from winter frosts in-situ using biodegradable horticultural fleece
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 13-16°C in summer, overwintering seedlings at 5-7°C
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs or glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free