What is the pride of Madeira?
Madeira pride, scientific name echium candicans , is an evergreen biennial plant with large blue or purple floral clusters in the shape of an inverted cone. It is well in a slight climate with mild winters and is very tolerant of drought conditions. It is a popular ornamental plant due to spectacular large flowers and easy care. Can be promoted from seeds or cuttings. It has silvery green leaves with a cluster of leaves at a base arranged in a radial pattern. From the base rises a high wooden stem, which is covered with silver green leaves in the shape of a lanka. The leaves are relatively long at the bottom and gradually shorten when they progress the stem in all directions. This cluster is often 12 inches (30.5 cm) with dozens of individual flowers. Each small flower is shaped as a small bell with several petals and long sticks coming from the center. The color of the flowers may vary from dark blue or purple to paler shades; Color often seems darker near the center of flower and lightí towards the edges.
The pride of the Madeira race is originally from the island of Madeira, the Portuguese archipelago. In cultivation, it has spread to many areas of the world and "naturalized" or began to appear naturally in New Zealand and other countries. It easily spreads and often escapes from the gardens to grow nearby. It is well in a slight climate with mild winters and is often damaged by long frost periods.
The use of Madeira pride includes flower beds, borders and rock gardens. The ideal location is full of sun -part shadow in the soil that drains very well. Once the plant is established, it needs very little water and often will grow well with mere precipitation. After blooming in the spring, the flower heads should be removed and the plant can be easily trimmed.
As a biennial, when planted from the seed, the pride in Madeira takes two years to grow into a ripe plant. First year jEN The base of the plant will grow, with high stem and flowers that appear for the second year. For faster results, the pride of Madeira is also easy to promote from cuttings.