Echium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae that contains approximately 70 species and several subspecies. They are native to North Africa, mainland Europe to Central Asia, and the Macaronesian islands where the genus reaches its maximum diversity ². On the Island of Madeira it is known as Pride of Madeira and is a much liked flower.
Echium plants can be herbaceous perennials, biennials, or triennials, and some can grow very tall. They have hairy stems and leaves, and nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators. The tubular flowers can be blue, purple, pink, red or white ³. Echium are best known for their tall blue flower spikes that tower above your head in summer ⁴.
Echium plants need well-drained humus rich soil and may need to be prevented from seeding ¹. They are drought tolerant and are suitable for borders or containers. Some species require winter protection as they can’t survive frosts ⁴.