Echium wildpretii
(Tower of Jewels)
Very rare and just about extinct in it's native Canary Islands, Spain. It
has stunning biennial which will spread about 2 feet wide and sends up a
single 12' tall tower of red\pink flowers. The tower has hundreds of red\pink
flowers that cover the spike in late spring. Has interesting and attractive
silver-grey foliage. It will sometimes flower in the first year but
the most spectacular spikes develop when the rosettes have had a summer over
which to mature. The flowers are very popular with bees and honey eating
birds, which has made it a popular specimen in cottage gardens.
Hardy in zones 9-10.
Recommended care:
Must be grown in full sun with perfect drainage, although it will tolerate
overnight frosts. It thrives in a Mediterranean climate in a wide range of
soil types. In winter keep at 10 degrees Celsius and must be watered
very occasionally, do not over water this plant. Supposedly hardy in
zone 8, if mulched well and extremely sheltered.
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