Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira) - A rapidly growing evergreen shrub to 4 to 6 feet or more tall or more by as wide with long, narrow, gray-green leaves held at the ends of the branches. Rising above the foliage in spring on into early summer are the large 20 inch long flower stalks bearing small bluish-purple flowers with reddish stamens. Plant in full sun in most any type of soil and irrigate occasionally to not at all. Once established plants require no additional irrigation in coastal gardens though inland plantings will appreciate occasional irrigation and protection from cold - reliably cold hardy for short durations down to about 25 degrees F and some claim a bit colder. This is a great plant for mild coastal climates and seaside gardens on a slope or in an area with room to spread out and it is attractive to honey bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, but unpalatable to deer and other browsers. Pride of Madeira often reseeds itself in the garden and, as this plant is relatively short lived (generally 4-6 years but some living up to 10 years), allow seedlings to replace older woodier plants. Prune flower inflorescences off after flowering to tidy up the plant and cut back hard in late fall to reduce size and encourage new growth from lower branches - leaves have slightly irritating hairs so remember to wear gloves when handling.

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