Echium candicans

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Pride of Madeira
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Family: Boraginaceae Genus: Echium Species: E. candicans
Binomial name
Echium candicans L.f.

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans; syn. Echium fastuosum J.Jacq. ^[1]) is a large biennial or more commonly perennial members of the Echium genus. It is endemic to the island of Madeira but is widely distributed throughout the world as an ornamental and garden plant. In New Zealand it is a common garden escape onto road-side verges and shingle banks in northern South Island (and probably elsewhere).

In the first year after germination the plant produces a broad rosette of leaves. In the second and subsequent years more or less woody flowering stalks are produces clothed in rough leaves. The flower head is large and covered with blue flowers having red stamens. The flowers are much visited by honey bees and the honey from such visits is prized for its flavour.

[edit] Notes

Suitable for areas that are hard to keep watered. After flowering, the plant should be cut back hard