
Plant of the Month – June 2020
Echium pininana
Common name: Pride of Tenerife
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Echium
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Half hardy
Soil type: Well drained/ light
Height: 400cms
Spread: 90cms
Echium pininana is a stunning plant for any sheltered border providing a tropical touch to the summer. It is commonly found on the Canary Islands where its flower heads can be seen growing out of the lush undergrowth.
In its second year Echium pininana suddenly spurts into growth and prodcues a single 4m (13.1ft) high flower spike festooned with blue, funnel-shaped flowers.
After flowering the plant scatters its seeds and dies. In Cornwall these will germinate where they land, but in colder areas seeds should be sown underglass in Spring.
Plants flower every second year, so sow seeds every year to ensure a continuous supply of blooms.
Where to find them in Falmouth: Queen Mary Gardens, Gyllyngdune Gardens, Fox Rosehill Gardens, Falmouth Old Cemetery, Falmouth seafront and many private front gardens
Article by Jacqui Owen, follow her at @cornishcountrytreasure on Instagram for more Cornish nature info and photos.

