Plants in the genus Echium are rosette-forming annuals and evergreen biennials, perennials, and shrubs. Usually stalkless, hairy leaves are borne in basal rosettes and on flower stems. Echium is native to stony hillsides, cliffs, open woodland, and grassy steppes in Europe, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Africa, and western Asia.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsBristly-hairy leaves. Funnel-shaped or bell-shaped flowers can be blue, purple, yellow, white, or red, borne in summer. Drought tolerant.
CareGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.
PropagationSow seed of annuals in spring. Sow seed of biennials and perennials in summer. Root semi-ripe cuttings of shrubby perennials in midsummer.
ProblemsSlugs may damage young growth. Whiteflies and spider mites under glass.
