Echium Boissieri

Description

Thick, stout stems carry bunches of pretty, creamy-apricot-pink flowers holding bright red stamens, the terminal anthers coated with striking sky blue pollen. During its first year it forms a woolly, prostrate, silver rosette of leaves. The following year arises the impressive spire of flowers, carrying numerous side branches. This rare and seldom-offered gem is a native of mountains and high areas in southern Spain, Algeria, Morocco, and Portugal. Very few seeds collected.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds anytime from late winter onwards, and they do best sown where actually needed, in a well-drained, sheltered spot. Or sow in a seed tray in early spring onto a soil-based compost. No artificial heat is needed, just good light. Seedlings usually appear in 2 to 6 weeks. Pot on into a small pot before planting out in a well-drained sheltered spot, or a large container that may be taken inside. Plants usually flower 12 to 24 months after sowing, and seedlings may often vary in habit and flower as we have many species growing here, and very many busy bees....

Key Facts