Commonly referred to as Pride of Madeira , Echium is a hardy flowering perennial. It produces cone like flower spikes on mass, which make a stunning show during spring and summer. Flowers can be purple, pink or white. Echium is tough, drought resistant and long lived, with flowers that attract birds and bees to the garden, it is a must have.
Planting Calendar
Echium is best planted in spring and summer.
Prepare
Echium is tough, drought resistant and long lived, known for their long spikes of flowers that attract birds and bees to the garden. This plant self seeds easily so you will never be short of new plants. Ideal for cottage, Mediterranean or coastal gardens and they can also be grown in large pots.
Position
Echiums love the sun and thrive in dry poor soils. Excellent for growing on sloping banks and in coastal locations.
Soil
Free draining soil is essential as echium do not like wet feet. Improve the soil by adding sheep pellets and compost then mix together well before planting. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Avoid damaging the roots when planting. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add some sheep pellets then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Echium are drought tolerant but do better when given a good water twice a week during summer. Once established they will require less water. Don't water if the soil is still moist.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
If leafminer becomes a problem then spray with Groventive Garden.
Pruning
Lightly prune bushes after flowering ensuring only to cut into the soft wood. Remove spent flowers to promote further blooms.
Expert Tip
Echiums dislike having wet feet and can suffer from root rot in soils that are poorly drained or if they are over watered.
Top Varieties
Echium Fastuosum
Forms a branched bushy shrub with multiple blue flower spike that gets to 1m tall while the plant can grow to 1.5 x 3m.
Echium Cobalt Towers
Forms large vibrant blue flower spike up to 2m tall on a plant that grows to 1.8 x 3m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Echium?
Echium is a genus of flowering plants known for their tall flower spikes and vibrant blue, pink, or purple flowers.
When is the best time to plant Echium?
The best time to plant Echium in Auckland is in the spring after the last frost has passed.
How often should I water Echium?
Echium are drought tolerant but do better when given a good water twice a week during summer. Once established they will require less water. Don't water if the soil is still moist.
Do Echiums attract pollinators?
Echium flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them great for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Do Echiums need to be pruned?
Lightly prune bushes after flowering ensuring only to cut into the soft wood. Remove spent flowers to promote further blooms.
