Echium candicans is a
short lived shrub, usually 4-5 years in our gardens, though a few have
lasted longer. Fortunately for the cost conscious among us the Pride
of Madeira generates loads of seedlings. Also fortunate for those of
us given the task of thinning those seedlings to a manageable number, they
are pretty easy to pull in their first season. Echium candicans will
grow 6-8 feet in height and are usually a little wider than tall.
Shaping your Pride of Madeira as it encroaches out of its prescribed space
often leaves dead branches if the branches are lopped off below the point
where there are still leaves. The flower spikes bloom in the
Spring. The bees love them. Some folks get a skin irritation
from the hairs on the leaves and flowers. Echium candicans grows
well in full sun or high shade. Soil type is not so critical, but
soggy conditions are hard on these guys. Plants are hardy into the
mid 20's.
High
resolution images of
Echium candicans are available.
