ECHIUM BLUE STEEPLE Boraginaceae HB HP 10-14ft

Also known as the 'Tower of Jewels'. Echium pininana initially produces a palm tree-like rosette on a thick woody stem. A year or two later, the centre, holding thousands of flowers, shoots upwards, sometimes to 15-20 feet!. Bees love this giant.

Sowing advice: Z. SOW FINELY & EVENLY. COVER THINLY WITH COMPOST OR GRIT. SOW IN A COOL COVERED LIGHT SPOT OUTSIDE & KEEP MOIST. GROW ON INDIVIDUAL SEEDLINGS IN 3" POTS. PLANT OUT IN WELL-DRAINED OPEN POSITION.