James H. Schutte
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
Echium pininana
Plant Common Name
Giant Viper's Bugloss, Pine Echium, Tree Echium
General Description
Small, unassuming rosettes of linear, dusty green foliage develop floral columns lined with small violet-blue flowers that burst upward to heights of 8- to 10-feet (2.5- to 3.25-meters). A native of the dry inland laurel forests of the Canary Islands, tree echium survives as a half-hardy biennial. It is a spectacular plant in bloom and has become endangered in its native habitat, though it is very popular in cultivation.
Dense rosettes of linear, silvery or dusty green foliage overwinter and in the summer of the following year huge spikes lined with curled clusters of tiny blue flowers appear. Each little tubular bloom attracts bees and opens in sequence from the bottom of the cluster to the top. The plant dies after flowering and setting seed. The seeds are produced in profusion and self-sow, sometimes heavily.
This sun-loving ornamental can withstand dry, imperfect soil but requires perfect drainage. It is a tender biennial that will only overwinter where winter conditions are mild. Allow it to lightly self-sow to ensure new seedlings will pop up. This is a spectacularly showy garden flower for the summer garden. Be sure to plant it among plants that remain showy and bushy into fall as the plants die completely after blooming.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Plant Type
Biennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
8'-10' / 2.4m - 3.0m
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Canary Islands
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Blue, Blue Violet
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
