An impressive introduction with a first-year sizeable rosette grows on a short strong trunk. Early the following year (or rarely a year later), several stems sprout from the crown, bend upwards and reach for the sky, each stem bearing countless thousands of buds! These plants can survive for several years, even after flowering so heavily. Do not cut down the thick stems unless you are certain they are dead, as many will resprout around the base! May self-seed, but it does not become a nuisance here and the seedlings are so visible and easy to pull up or transplant. As these are hybrid seed, it may produce occasional odd plants that differ from the parent. Echium are drought tolerant, resistant of poor soils, and can withstand light frosts.

Hardiness zones 8-11, and possibly zone 7 with winter protection.

Height: 1.2-2.5m, 4-8'

Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants may be poisonous.

Seeds per packet: 10

Germination: Place the seeds on the surface of a pre-moistened seed-start mix. Do not bury the seeds as they require ight for germination. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Light watering can be done until the plants are established, though do not over-water. Seedlings appear within 6 weeks.