Echium pininana (Tower of Jewels)

A very impressive Echium species, Echium pininana (Tower of Jewels) is a biennial or short-lived perennial bearing thousands of terminal blue or white flowers in massive, conical spires reaching for the sky. In its first year, it forms a large basal rosette, up to 3 ft. across (90 cm), of lance-shaped, silver-hairy leaves. Then its second year, it sends up a huge spike packed with flowers in summer. Resembling missiles ready to launch, they are extremely attractive to bees. After flowering, Echium pininana makes seeds and dies. However, it self-seeds readily in mild winter areas, maintaining its striking presence in the garden. Seed lies dormant for as long as 7 years. Undemanding and drought tolerant, this giant of the herbaceous plant world makes a truly spectacular statement in the landscape.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 15-18 ft. tall (450-540 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun, in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Protect from winter frost.
• It is a great candidate beds and borders, wall-side borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens.
• disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs. Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed sown at 55-60°F (13-16°C) in summer, overwintering seedlings at 41-45°F (5-7°C).
• All parts may cause stomach upset if ingested.
• Native to the Canary Islands.