Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Echium fastuosum or Pride of Madeira

The genus Echium, family Boraginaceae, includes 60 species of herbaceous plants native to the Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Some species are: Echium fastuosum, Echium webbii, Echium wildpretii, Echium lycopsis, Echium rubrum, Echium vulgare, Echium decaisnei, Echium creticum, Echium simplex, Echium callithyrsum, Echium hierrense.

Common names: Pride of Madeira. Scientific synonym: Echium candicans. This species is native to the Canary Islands.

They are perennial shrubs of wide and highly branched habit that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are arranged in rosettes around the stem, are lanceolate in shape, are grayish-green in color and have a rough texture. The most attractive are the inflorescences in the form of cylindrical spikes (up to 40 cm/15.74" high) filled with blue flowers. They bloom in spring and summer.

They are used to fix slopes, in rockery, in areas of the garden with difficult access, in bushy groups and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and combine very well with plants of the genera Cistus, Hypericum and Artemisia.

Echium fastuosum needs full sun exposure and a warm climate like the Mediterranean. They resist occasional frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

They prefer a calcareous and well drained soil although they can grow any type of soil that does not accumulate water.

Water moderately throughout the year, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They resist drought well.

Fertilize with a little compost in fall and once in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Prune withered inflorescences; they can be lightly pruned in early spring to keep them compact.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases that can be attacked by aphids and Chlorosis.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings from terminal branches that have not flowered.

Images of the shrub Echium fastuosum or Pride of Madeira