Contents
Description
Echium Wildpretii, commonly known as Tenerife Bugloss or Tower of Jewels, is a unique plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and La Palma. The plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and produces a stunning flower spike that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The flowers are pink to red in color and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Echium Wildpretii is a biennial plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it produces a rosette of leaves, and in the second year, it produces the flower spike before dying. The plant is a popular choice among gardeners and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Echium |
| Species | Echium Wildpretii |
Appearance
The Echium Wildpretii plant has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants in the garden. In the first year, it produces a basal rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 60cm in length. In the second year, it produces a spike of flowers that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The flowers are pink to red in color and grow in a spiral pattern around the spike. The plant is covered in fine, white hairs that give it a fuzzy appearance. Echium Wildpretii is a striking plant that adds height and interest to any garden.
Care Guide
Echium Wildpretii is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and caring for this unique plant:
Water
Echium Wildpretii prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil
Echium Wildpretii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If planting in a container, use a potting mix that is specifically designed for cacti or succulents.
Sunlight
Echium Wildpretii prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the flower spike may not grow as tall or as full.
Hardiness Zones
Echium Wildpretii is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echium Wildpretii is generally a pest-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. To avoid root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant. If the plant becomes infected with root rot, it may need to be removed and disposed of to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants in the garden.
Habitat
Echium Wildpretii is native to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife and La Palma. It grows in rocky, volcanic soils and is adapted to the dry, arid conditions of the islands. The plant is well-suited to Mediterranean and desert climates and can tolerate drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Echium Wildpretii toxic to pets?
A: Echium Wildpretii is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to avoid accidental ingestion.
Q: Does Echium Wildpretii require pruning?
A: Echium Wildpretii does not require pruning, but you can remove the flower spike after it has finished blooming to encourage the plant to produce new growth.
Q: Can Echium Wildpretii be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Echium Wildpretii can be grown in a container. Use a potting mix that is specifically designed for cacti or succulents, and make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Q: Does Echium Wildpretii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Echium Wildpretii produces a stunning flower spike that attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Related Plants
- Echium amoenum
- Echium candicans
- Echium gentianoides
- Echium pininana
- Echium vulgare
References
- “Echium Wildpretii.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 07 June 2021.
- “Echium Wildpretii – Plant Profile.” Gardening Know How. N.p., 18 Jan. 2021. Web. 07 June 2021.
- “Echium Wildpretii.” Royal Horticultural Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 June 2021.
