A truly dramatic garden plant, a close relative of borage, it produces the most spectacular tall flower spikes seemingly from nowhere in summer. Despite it's common name of 'Pride of Madeira', it is hardy in the UK down to -5C or so, particularly where it is drier in winter. It is biennial, so needs one cold winter after germination to flower - so these plants will flower in their first year and beyond.
E. candicans will grow to around 1m (3ft) in its first year, then in its second, it produces its magnificent flower - in milder areas the plants keep growing all year around and, after a frost-free winter, you will see enormous flower spikes. Plants are not frost hardy, and the leaves are easily blackened by cold winds so protect seedlings and one-year old plants if frost threatens.
A common sight in Cornwall as well, Echiums are best grown in very well drained soils, or in large pots with plenty of sand or grit for drainage. When it does grow in spring, keep it well watered between May and August as it grows quickly.
Echiums self-seed over a small area, and once these seedlings have germinated and over-wintered, they too may flower away, and a little colony will appear. Truly spectacular and one of the best plants that you can grow to attract pollinating insects into your garden.
