Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira)
Pride of Madeira, Echium fastuosum
Few shrubs produce such magnificent conical flower spikes! Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans or Echium fastuosum) is a fascinating biennial mounding shrub that grows up to 5-6 feet (150-180 cm) and spreads 6-10 feet (180-300 cm), displaying fabulously eye-catching, cone-shaped blue clusters from late spring through summer, atop sculptural and attractive rosettes of silvery-green, hairy leaves.
- Mostly pest or disease-free and requiring low maintenance, Pride of Madeira is evergreen, drought-tolerant, deer and salty winds-resistant. It also attracts scores of birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Performs best in full sun, in poor and dry soils, and with just a little water. An excellent choice for the water-wise gardener for whom severe frost is a non-issue.
- Fast-growing, it should be cut back hard after flowering for a neat appearance and to promote new growth. Short-lived, it reseeds freely.
- It is a great candidate as a foundation shrub in seaside gardens, on hillsides and slopes. Its quick rate of growth makes this plant useful for plugging gaps in the garden. Paired with other bold-colored plants like Bougainvillea, Salvia mycrophilla or even golden English Roses such as Rose Graham Thomas create stunning scenes.
- Severe discomfort may result if any part of the plant is ingested. Foliage may cause skin irritation.
Buy Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira)
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 48" – 72" (120cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Photos courtesy of Andy Blackledge, Carl Balton, Pedersen, 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 4
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 5' – 6' (150cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m) |
Spacing | 48" – 72" (120cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |