About
A branching, evergreen shrub to about 1.2m, often grown as a biennial. Upright stems are clothed in silvery, dark green, lance-shaped leaves and topped in late spring and summer with a dense spire of blue, bell-shaped flowers with pink stamens.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained soil in full sun. May overwinter in mild areas, or take under glass while there is any risk of frost
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs or glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free