Plant of the Month October 2020

Distribution Information Common Name: Echium, Pride of Madiera The Echium and cultivars in this part of the garden Many Echium species from the Macaronesia Islands have Scientific Name: Echium species and cultivars originate in the Macaronesia Islands including; Madiera, become popular garden and many named varieties Tourn. ex L. Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. 27 species are endemic exist. On the Dragon Tree lawn you will see; Echium to these island archipelagos. candicans (light blue flowers), (white Family: Boraginacaceae flowers), Echium wildprettii (pink flowers, not currently Native Habitat Etymology flowering) and Echium ‘Duxfield Blue’ (cobalt blue flowers). Dry rocky hillsides and slopes from sea level up to 2 000 : Echium – from the Greek metres. Flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for European word “echis” meaning a viper. Honey Bees that can be seen massing around the flowers Description each spring. May refer to the forking of All but two of the Echium species on the Macaronesian the flower’s style. Islands are short-lived, woody perennial shrubs. Leaves are They are fast growing plants that require regular renewal. linear, grey-green and leaves and young stems are covered The biennial species E.wildpretii dies after flowering in its in fine, somtimes irritating hairs. is second year. Woody species are relatively short lived (5-9 biennial, flowering in its second year. years in coastal Sydney) and require pruning after flowering to maintain vigour and shape. This is best done before the Flowers plants produce their sticky seeds. All are full sun plants and Flowers are small, tubular and usually white, shades of blue can become “leggy” and not flower if planted in too much or in the case of Echium wildpretii pink. Stamens are shade. prominent and red. Flowers occur on large spikes that emerge well above the foliage. Echiums produce large numbers of seeds and can become garden escapes. Be careful and consult regional weed lists Fruit before planting . A species of Echium, Nutlets comprising a cluster of seeds with bristly bracts that also known as Paterson’s Curse or Salvation Jane, is a major adhere easily to surfaces. pasture weed in many parts of Australia. Location in Garden Dragon Tree Lawn. Spring Walk and next to Main Pond.

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