Echium wildpretii
Tower of Jewels
Description
Echium wildpretii, commonly known as Tower of Jewels or Red Bugloss, is a striking biennial plant native to the Canary Islands. It's renowned for its dramatic appearance, producing a tall, conical spike densely packed with vibrant red flowers. The plant forms a large rosette of silvery-grey, lance-shaped leaves in its first year, followed by the flowering spike in the second year. The flowers are tubular, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Echium wildpretii thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, as it is native to dry, sunny environments. It is particularly stunning as a focal point in a rock garden or dry border. After flowering, the plant dies back, so consider self-seeding or collecting seeds for propagation.
Description
Echium wildpretii, commonly known as Tower of Jewels or Red Bugloss, is a striking biennial plant native to the Canary Islands. It's renowned for its dramatic appearance, producing a tall, conical spike densely packed with vibrant red flowers. The plant forms a large rosette of silvery-grey, lance-shaped leaves in its first year, followed by the flowering spike in the second year. The flowers are tubular, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Echium wildpretii thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, as it is native to dry, sunny environments. It is particularly stunning as a focal point in a rock garden or dry border. After flowering, the plant dies back, so consider self-seeding or collecting seeds for propagation.