Echium pininana
Tree Echium, Pne Echium, Giant Viper's-buglossFamily: Boraginaceae
Origin: Canary Islands
Native to the Canary Islands, Echium pininana is a large, fast-growing shrub that typically grows up to 5-10 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. This attractive plant is noted for its late summer to early fall display of showy purplish-blue flower spikes, which are surrounded by a mass of sage-green, serrated leaves and silvery foliage. When in bloom, the plant attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.
Growing Echium pininana is easy, provided it is planted correctly and with enough sunlight and water. The shrub does best if planted in full sun and with soils that are regularly moist. An established Echium pininana requires minimal care - occasional pruning to shape, occasional reinforcement of the soil, and fertilizer during the summer season.
In cold regions, it can be grown in pots and brought indoors during winter months. In such regions, the plant would need to be pruned frequently to stop it from becoming too large for the available space. Additionally, the soil in the pot would need to be kept well drained, and watered regularly so that it does not sit in water. If kept indoors during winter months, the plant also needs some sunlight, so a well-lit window or a grow light should be used. With the right care, Echium pininana can be successfully grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11.
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