ID of this fantastic plant please

conoros · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 14 May 2017 Posts: 13

I have seen these around and imagine they are popular enough. Anybody id it please? thanks
Conor

Silver surfer · Posted: Mon May 15, 2017 9:04 am Post subject:

Echium sp. Commonly known as Pride of Madeira.

Maybe Echium pininana.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Echium+pininana+%C2%B7&rlz=1C1GNAM_en-GBGB687GB687&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjQuZHDxfHTAhVFC8AKHQTnARQQ_AUICigB&biw=1536&bih=759

conoros · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 14 May 2017 Posts: 13

thanks a lot - i actually had one in my old garden and it suddenly withered Sad

i shall try again

kindredspirit · Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 6:04 am Post subject:

It's generally biennial and dies after flowering but then leaves loads of seeds to start a dynasty. Not hardy.

Greengage · Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 6:41 am Post subject:

Echium pinninana "Blue Steeple" also known as Giant vipers bugloss.
I have approx. 12 of them growing and in flower at the moment. They are from the Canary islands and cannot tolerate frost and fall over in strong winds.
They are brilliant plants for pollinators producing copious amounts of nectar.
be careful handling the plant as the small hairs along the stem and at the back of the leaves can cause irritation to your skin.
I have another one called Echium "Wild Prittii" which has red flowers and white stamens called tower of Jewels as it sparkles when it moves in the wind.
While people say it is Biennial that is producing leaves one year and flowers the next it actually only flowers in its third year so it takes three years from seed to flower but it is some plant for a herbaceous one. If cutting it down don't be surprised if you need an axe to remove it and it is some weight when down.

conoros · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 14 May 2017 Posts: 13

thanks guys, so are your 12 plants going to die now that they have flowered? If so, what happens then, you have to dig them up?

Greengage · Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 6:22 am Post subject:

They will go to seed and seed everywhere we will rescue some and hoe the rest. They will be disposed of probably need an axe to chop them down in the winter. We are having some fall over due to their height and weight as they are top heavy at the moment with the weight of the flower spike. But the are the equivalent of McDonalds for pollinating insects. I will do a Bumblebee transect walk today if I get time and I bet most bees will be on the Echiums, Ill let you know the final count if I do it.

Greengage · Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 12:14 pm Post subject:

Ok did walk before Lunch total number of Bumblebees counted 61, with 6 different species. On the Echiums alone I counted 51 Bumble bees, do not count Honey bees in this area as there are 4 hives here, Plant the right plants and they will come.

conoros · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 14 May 2017 Posts: 13

i'll have to pass, wonderful plant and would welcome ome bumbles Smile

but i have toddlers, beehives are unwelcome at this time or maybe any time, even if they support mankind Smile

Greengage · Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 6:07 pm Post subject:

They are not tigers, Honey bees and Bumblebees do not bother people unless you interfere with their nests. Wasps can be a nuisance if you have sweet things in your hand in Autumn. Your probably suffering from melissophobia.