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.
