Echium candicans

Save

Pride of madeiraPerennialFamily: Boraginaceae

Height: 2mSpread: 2m
Half hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Blue

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

A popular sight in Cornwall, pride of Madeira, Echium candicans, is perfect for adding a touch of drama to both exotic and cottage garden settings, as well as a large greenhouse or conservatory. Like all echiums, its flowers are adored by bees and other pollinators.

Tall spikes of intense blue blooms are borne on strong branching stems in spring and summer. Despite its origins it’s hardy to -5° and can survive British winters unless grown in wet soil. A short-lived perennial, it’s typically grown as a biennial in the UK. Yet, as in its native Madeira, in milder regions it can grow into a small tree, and can self-seed readily.

Grow Echium candicans in well-drained soil in a sheltered site in full sun. In cooler regions you may need to protect the roots from frost or move under glass for winter – collect seed after flowering as an insurance against winter losses. Take care when handling as the sap can cause skin irritation and is toxic if eaten.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesPlantyes**yesFlowersyesyesyesyesyesCollect Seedsyes**yes

Echium ‘Candicans’ and wildlife

Echium ‘Candicans’ is known for attracting bees, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Echium ‘Candicans’ poisonous?

Echium ‘Candicans’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock