A Coastal Giant
For the past few weeks I have been extremely fascinated with this gigantic coastal plant. I first stumbled across it in Howth but have since seen it in Wexford and Cork.
I think you will agree with me when I say it is a giant! It can reach over 4 meters tall and I’d say the plants I have seen are not too far off this height! It was only after my trip to Cork that I learnt it’s name, thanks to a well placed name tag in Fota House and Gardens. Echium pininana or more commonly called Tree Echium, is a plant native to the Canary Islands but is increasingly grown in both Great Britain and Ireland. It is a biennial plant or even in some places a triennial so does take a while to enjoy its flowers, luckily the young plant is quiet striking.
I don’t think it would be a bad addition to a flower border and I would personally love one or two in my own garden. Unfortunately it is generally only found in coastal areas and I don’t think would survive in the midlands where I live! This is very heart-breaking as I love the small dusky blue flowers that appear on large spikes as the plant matures and how it self seeds to appear in large clumps in later years.
I guess I will have to visit the coast more often to enjoy this gigantic beauty!! Have you come across it in your travels?
you have NO idea how much I want an echium (any variety) in my yard. People tell me it’s next to impossible to grow them here but I’m seriously contemplating trying to prove them wrong!!!!
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ahhh, so that’s what they called. Spotted them round Howth recently while driving and was perplexed “how the hell are there agaves about to flower round here, hangon they’re not agaves, hang on i shouldnt be so close to that bus”
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My friend is growing an Ecium in his garden near Rathdrum, Co. Wiclow! It’s got to be about 10′ tall with the most amazing blue flowers. He’s also got some seedlings. If you want to get in touch/get photos let me know.
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I have one growing in my garden and getting plenty of comments, this is the 4th year and first year flowering.
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