Pride of Madeira

Echium candicans

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May - June
• Hardiness: frost hardy (needs protection in winter)
  
  In late spring and early summer, uge candles densely packed with small purple flowers rise above rosettes of lance-shaped, hairy, grey-green leaves. This evergreen biennial hails from Madeira, and so thrives in hot, sunny conditions, is drought tolerant and can cope with coastal conditions - although it should be protected from strong winds. Birds and bees love it too. A dramatic plant to add vertical interest to the back of a mixed or herbaceous border or as part of a Mediterranean scheme.
  
  
• Garden Care:Cut down flower spikes in autumn, and protect the plant over winter with horticultural fleece.