|
Echium
Botanical name - Echium
Common name - Echium
Description - Biennials, perennials, and shrubs
Sunset zone(s) - vary by species
Exposure - Full Sun
Water requirements - Little to moderate water
Warning - The Vulgare species is
poisonous if ingested.
General Information - Echium is grown for its striking
form and flower clusters. All species do well in dry, poor soil but they do need
good drainage. All Echium species are a good choice for seacoast gardens. Echium
flowers attract bees. Little or no water is required in mild-summer climates and
only weekly watering is required in hotter areas.
Popular species - Candicans (Fastuosum), Pride of
Madeira. This shrub, from Madeira is good in zones 14-24. It is a large
picturesque plant that grows to 5-6 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, with coarse
heavy branches. Narrow, hairy, gray-green colored leaves form round irregular
mounds at the ends of the stems. Spike like clusters of bluish purple flowers
standout above the foliage in the spring. Use Echium against walls and at the
back of flower borders or on slopes for a dramatic effect.
Nursery Notes - Light pruning will keep Pride of
Madeira bushy. Cut off flower spikes as they fade in order to promote newer
growth. If you choose not to remove the spent flowers, the life span of the
plant will be shortened. However, Echium will reseed, producing a flush of fresh
new plants.
Additional help - The following information sheets may help
you with this plant
|
Cambria Nursery and Florist
