Echium wildpretii
Tower of Jewels
Description
This perennial will grow 4-6' tall and spread 2' wide. It has silver-gray, narrow and 2' long leaves. During spring, a tall vertical spike shoots up from the foliage containing hundreds of dark pink flowers. Birds and bees love the flowers. If flowers are left on plant, seeds will propagate the plant. Echium prefers full sun and well draining soil. Tolerates coastal conditions. This plant has low watering needs once it's established. Little or no summer irrigation needed.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
3-6', 6-12'
Width Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Pink, Red
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Grey Green, Silver
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam
Soil Condition
Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Background, Perennial Border, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water Saving Tip:
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers