About
A short-lived, rosette-forming perennial to 70cm tall, the stems and rough-textured leaves are sparsely covered with stiff hairs. In summer it bears a profusion of deep pink, funnel-shaped flowers.
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
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toIberian Pen., N Africa
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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free