Echium candicans [syn. fastuosum] (Pride of Madeira) seeds

A very dramatic plant with beautiful, 30cm flower spikes densely packed with tiny blue-purple flowers above hairy, grey-green leaves.  Quite an amazing sight!  A sun lover, Pride of Madeira loves a sheltered spot in full sun and is very drought tolerant.  Protect in winter with a thick mulch at the base and fleece.

RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner.

Half Hardy Perennial (min 0C)
Flowers: Spring and summer
Height: 1.5-2m, Spread: 2m
Position: Full sun, sheltered in well-drained soil 

Packet of 20 seeds

Caution: All parts toxic if eaten and can cause skin irritation.

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Can be sown at any time of year though spring to early summer is best. Sow on the surface of a moist, free-draining seed compost and propagate at 18 to 20C in a propagator, coldframe, greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors sealed in a polythene bag. Germination should take place from 3 to 6 weeks though could take longer.  As the seedlings begin to emerge, very gradually increase ventilation by opening the propagator vents or the bag.

Growing Instructions: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up individually into small pots (7-9cm) and grow on in well-ventilated conditions at about 13 to 15C. Overwinter in a frost free place at about 5C. When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out in late spring to early summer in a well drained, sheltered, sunny position.  Protect the roots with a mulch in winter and the plant with a fleece jacket.