Echium — commonly called Pride of Madeira — is a genus of showy perennials and biennials native to the Mediterranean. They bear panicles of bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, purple, rose, or white. Where not hardy Echium can be grown as annual. Echiums are colorful additions to annual, mixed, or herbaceous borders. They can also be grown in containers.
Two members of the Echium genus are often grown in gardens. Echium candicans–commonly called Pride of Madeira–is a woody-based biennial that bears dense cylindrical panicles to 12 inches (30cm) long of narrowly funnel-shaped white or bluish flowers from spring to summer. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall (1.5-2.5m). Echium vulgare–commonly called viper’s bugloss–grows just 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm) tall and bears bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, purple, rose, or white; the flowers are just a half-inch across.
Echiums can be set in the garden or seeds sown as soon as the danger of frost is past. They will begin flowering as early as three months after sowing. In frost-free regions, seeds can be sown outdoors in the fall as well as in the spring. Fall-sown seeds will blossom at least a month earlier than those started in the spring.
Pride of madeira, also known as echium, is a visually stunning plant known for its towering spikes of colorful flowers. This Mediterranean native thrives in pots with the right care. Repotting pride of madeira encourages lush growth and vibrant blooms when done properly.
Choosing the Right Pot
Picking an appropriately sized container is key for pride of madeira to thrive This large perennial reaches up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide at maturity Aim for a pot around 16-24 inches wide to give the long taproot ample space.
Shallow pots less than 12 inches deep restrict root development resulting in stunted plants. Deep containers prevent circling roots that can girdle and kill pride of madeira. Look for pots around 16 inches deep or use taller nursery pots
Clay, ceramic, plastic, and resin planters all work well. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Saucers help contain moisture while allowing excess water to escape.
The Repotting Process
Repot in early spring before growth resumes. Carefully remove pride of madeira from its old container. Gently loosen any circling roots before placing in the new pot.
Fill the pot about halfway with a free-draining potting mix. Set the plant inside and fill around its base with more soil. Leave 1-2 inches between the soil line and the pot’s rim.
After repotting, water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom. This removes air pockets and settles the roots. Avoid fertilizing for a month to prevent root burn.
Providing Optimal Care
Pride of madeira thrives with full sun exposure. Place pots in the brightest spot possible, ideally with at least 6 hours of direct light. Insufficient light causes weak, lanky growth.
Let the soil dry between waterings. Overwatering encourages root rot. Adjust watering based on pot size, plant size, and climate. Small pots or seedlings need more frequent watering than mature plants in bigger containers.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Discontinue feeding after September to prep for dormancy. Move pots to a sheltered area once night temps drop below 40°F.
Encouraging Flower Production
Mature pride of madeira bursts into flower in late spring. Flowering lasts through summer into fall. Plants typically take 2-3 years from seed to bloom. But you can enjoy flowers the first year by buying older nursery plants.
Repotting into an appropriately sized container kickstarts growth. This gives pride of madeira the root room it needs to channel energy into flowering. Proper watering and fertilizing also promote lush blooms.
Prune spent flower spikes back to lateral buds after blooming concludes. This tidies plants up and diverts energy to developing next year’s flowers. Removing old blooms prolongs the flowering display.
Troubleshooting Issues
Drooping leaves or minimal flowering indicates too little light. Move pots to the sunniest area or use grow lights to supplement natural light.
Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting are signs of overwatering. Allow pots to dry out between waterings and ensure drainage holes aren’t blocked.
If leaves are small and pale, increase fertilizer dosage. But avoid over-fertilizing that can burn roots. Read label instructions carefully.
Pests like spider mites may attack pride of madeira. Check for webbing and speckling. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations before they spread.
Repotting into properly sized containers is vital for pride of madeira to thrive in pots. Combine roomy pots with attentive care for success growing these visually captivating flowering perennials.
Pride of Madeira Plant Profile
Botanical Name: Echium candicans
Common Names: Pride of Madeira, Tower of Jewels
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub, perennial
Mature Size: 5-8 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Flower Color: Purple, pink, blue
Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Native Area: Madeira Islands
Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets
Growing Conditions
Sun: Full sun, at least 6 hours per day
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy
Water: Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings
Temperature: Above 50°F
Humidity: Average humidity
Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season
Tips for Growing in Pots
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Use a 16-24 inch wide container with drainage holes
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Repot in early spring using free-draining potting mix
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Place in full sun, ideally 6+ hours per day
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Water when soil is partly dry, avoid overwatering
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Apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring/summer
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Prune spent blooms to encourage new flowers
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Bring pots to sheltered spot in winter if temps drop below 40°F
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Watch for pests like spider mites and treat with insecticidal soap
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Repotting yearly encourages vigorous growth and blooms
With striking floral towers up to 5 feet tall, it’s no wonder pride of Madeira is a favorite flowering shrub. Follow these tips for successfully growing vibrant plants in pots. Pay close attention to proper sunlight, soil moisture, fertilization, and pest prevention. Repot each spring to maintain healthy roots and encourage prolific blooms. With a little TLC, you’ll be rewarded with eye-catching color in your containers.
Where to plant Echium
- Grow Echium in full sun.
- Grow Echium in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Soil too rich will discourage flower formation.
When to plant Echium
- Set container-grown perennial Echium in the garden in spring or autumn.
Pride of Madeira – It is a large herbaceous perennial subshrub
FAQ
Can you grow echiums in pots?
Growing in containers is a good alternative. There is the option of growing in large pots which we find works really well. Generally, the bigger the pot the taller the Echium!
Where is the best place to plant Pride of Madeira?
Place in a spot with ample sunlight. Plant in well-draining soil. Pride of Madeira grows well in low-nutrient soil in a wide range of types and pH levels. Water regularly in the flowering season for healthy blooms, otherwise this plant is drought-tolerant.
Does Pride of Madeira like sun or shade?
Plant Pride of Madeira in an area that received full sun exposure at least 6 hours per day. Water regularly after planting to help it establish well to its new location then reduce frequency. Tolerates short drought periods.
Do you cut back Pride of Madeira?
Pruning needs: Prune off spent flowers after blooming.