Photo of Echium plantagineum flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Echium plantagineum

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

  • H: 20"
  • W: 20"

planting zones

  • 1-11

Echium plantagineum plant details

Echium plantagineum is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In fall and summer blue flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Echium plantagineum

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 20 IN wide, 20 IN tall
Flowers: blue blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, floriferous, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Echium plantagineum

USDA Zones: 1 - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bee lovers must have this nectar rich wonder! Bumblebees visit the flowers all day long - a constant buzzing party! Quick to bloom, the cerulean blue cup-shaped flowers bloom until frost. A Mediterranean native that appreciates rich, well-drained soil. Beware its raspy leaves, they may irritate skin. Lovely with orange snapdragon or cone flower 'Supreme Cantaloupe'.
Goof proof, bee-loved and blue, this bountiful bloomer from the Mediterranean is deer proof, too! Fast growing into an impressive mound 20” x 20” (in rich soil) of blue, cup-shaped blooms with pink buds, it blooms for months! Easy, resilient and not fussy about soil, it’s useful in those mysterious spots where everything else dies! Readily self-sows. Pretty combined with Antirrhinum ‘Double Azalea Apricot’.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Echium plantagineum plant

How to Grow Echium plantagineum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
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