Germinating Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)

Source: http://img4.sunset.com/i/2006/09/beachss-ss1-l.jpg?400:400

    This plant is absolutely gorgeous!  Need I say more?  The picture above summarizes it nicely.  Most people are more familiar with Echium wilpretti which has red flowers.  These are striking, but grow larger and don't tend to branch into the attractive plant that the blue species does.

    As the name suggests, this plant is native to the island of Madeira.  This is owned by Portugal and located off the coast of Morocco.  It's tolerant of coastal exposure and salt spray but requires well drained soil.  These Echium typically reach a height of 2m and bloom in the spring.  They can take freezing temperatures and are considered hardy to USDA zone 9a.

    Seeds germinate readily and most should have sprouted within 2 weeks.  They should be sown in a well drained potting mix, about 1/2cm deep and at room temperature.  Plants establish themselves the first year and then reward you with flowers thereafter.  If stressed they may only last two years but are generally considered a perennial.

    Now for another Fig, the Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus marcophylla).