Overview
Echium pininana is a plant with a biennial, herbaceous perennial, shrub habit in the genus Echium, part of the Boraginaceae family, with bristly, lance-shaped leaves foliage. Echium pininana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers, dry gardens and meadows.
About
Echium pininana, commonly known as the tree echium, pine echium, giant viper's-bugloss, or tower of jewels, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae. It is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it is restricted to the island of La Palma.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echium pininana
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
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Echium pininana size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Biennial, Herbaceous perennial, Shrub
- Foliage
- Bristly, lance-shaped leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Dry gardens, Meadows
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Echium pininana
- 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 pininana?
Echium pininana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Echium pininana need?
Echium pininana grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Echium pininana hardy in the UK?
Echium pininana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Echium pininana?
Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings.