About
A half-hardy biennial or triennial plant forming a rosette of silvery leaves to 50cm across. In its second or third summer it throws up a flower spike to 1.8m tall; this is compactly set with small white flowers that 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 hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toCanary Islands
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water freely while in growth, sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in moderately fertile, freely-draining soil in a very 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