Hailing from the islands of Madiera, the Echium candicans is a large herbaceous accent plant. It commands a presence whether flowering or just in leaf. When not in flower, Echium candicans presents as a mounded architectural shrub with rosettes of blue-green leaves. Come spring, it unveils its true splendour blooming with massive conical-shaped spikes comprised of small flowers in blue, purple, or occasionally white.
Growing conditions
Echium candicans is fast-growing and loves the sun. It is drought-tolerant and will even grow in poor soil conditions, making it great for slopes and coastal areas.
Care and maintenance
A further benefit of Echium candicans is that it requires very little maintenance. Just a quick prune of the spent flowers will prevent seeding and help maintain a healthy growth habit. This is particularly important if planted near bushland.
In a garden
We like to position Echium candicans alongside other plant species with similar spire forms such as Lavenders and Agastache. It looks fantastic when planted in a purple-pink palette and complemented with other blue-green plants such as Lamb’s ears. Here it is shown against a backdrop of Parthenocissus and Ornamental Pear trees, Leucadendron and Eucalypts.