How to Grow Echium

Echium or commonly known as Pride of Madeira are hardy flowering perennial plants that are known for their cone like flower spikes that are renowned for their ability to attract bees to the garden. With their fast growing grey colour foliage and cone flowers available in an array of purple, pink to white colours, they produce an attractive plant to place along pathways, hard to plant areas or in cottage gardens.

Full sun to part shade

Water well when planting out

Well drained soils. Can tolerate coarse or low nutrient soils

Suitable for all tropical and temperate climates

How to grow echium in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to part shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw and water in well.

Step 5

Feed in every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow echium in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Feed in every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Echiums dislike having wet feet and can suffer from root rot in soils that are poorly drained or if they are over watered.
Remove spent flowers to promote further blooms.
Lightly prune bushes after flowering ensuring only to cut into the soft wood.
Great for border plantings and in areas where salty winds are prevalent.
Perfect plant for attracting bees to the garden.