Overview
Echium candicans is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Echium, part of the Boraginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Echium candicans grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers, dry gardens and conservatories. It is native to Madeira Island and Madeira.
About
Echium candicans, the Pride of Madeira, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae, and genus Echium, native to the island of Madeira. It is a large herbaceous perennial subshrub, growing to 1.5–2.5 m (4 ft 11 in – 8 ft 2 in). In the first year after germination, the plant produces a broad rosette of leaves. In the second and subsequent years, more or less woody flowering stalks are produced clothed in rough leaves. It grows to around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echium candicans
About the genus
Echium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae that contains about 70 species and several subspecies.
Wikipedia contributors, "Echium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Echium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Echium candicans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Dry gardens, Conservatories
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Madeira
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Echium candicans
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Echium candicans?
Echium candicans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Echium candicans need?
Echium candicans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Echium candicans grow?
Echium candicans reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Echium candicans hardy in the UK?
Echium candicans has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Echium candicans?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.
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