Echium, I wasn't prepared for this to grow so big...

[sanatic1234]

Just look at that


[ Image ]

Yep absolutely fantastic but will be harder to get through the winter than pinianna. But hey joys of exotic gardening.

[sanatic1234]

stephen I had 12 of those candicans in 2012 got protected really well, but they all died they don't really like anything lower than 2c so kevin scales told me i got the seeds from him.

[stephenprudence]

As you can see from the photo that Cordy posted the ones at Ness were there for a fair few years (hence the bunch). I'd say in that time they would have seen maybe -2 or -3C.. so perhaps tolerant of some light frost.

[sanatic1234]

I would may be suggest good micro climate and not such extreme temps, i got into double figures in 2012. But i was going on the advice kevin gave me with him growin them for long time to, the RHS say warm temperatures and heated greenhouse. I dare say ness has a very good micro climate.

[The Codfather]

Right.....I am going to try one of these this year.....Is it best to buy seed or a young plant ?

[sanatic1234]

That choice is yours cod, but what i can say is that growing them from seed is so easy! easier than growing canna's from seed and that is extremely easy. If you buy a plant you may be able to get a good advantage but as you can see from the pic i posted they do grow fast. Like i mentioned mine is only 10 months old and just a tiny bit over 4ft. But to be fare this one has grown quicker than my last one that flowered but then we have had a better winter.

[Springy]

Does anyone know when we are likely to have any signs of movement with these this year and will my multiheaded one actually flower anyway?

[pdid]

Does anyone know when we are likely to have any signs of movement with these this year and will my multiheaded one actually flower anyway?

Both of mine are away and showing buds now. Excuse the crappy pictures.

[The Codfather]

Have they had ant form of protection

[fieldfest]

These are the echiums on the IOW at ventnor, quite impressive

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=bf8 ... :0&t=False

Mine will hopefully flower this year as its their 3rd season, they look to be on the move

[pdid]

Have they had ant form of protection

No, they were potted 1st year, overwintered in shed then planted out last year, no protection over Winter. The big one didn't like the 85mph winds we had a few weeks back and blew over, fortunately it didn't snap and seems to have carried on growing after staking.

I lost 4 last Spring which had been planted out in their 1st year, these were from the same batch but were spares left in pots and somewhat neglected.

If you do buy a plant try and get a one year old, this way you will only need to get it through one Winter before flowering.

[fieldfest]

Right.....I am going to try one of these this year.....Is it best to buy seed or a young plant ?

very easy from seed, fast germination and rapid growth

does anyone have any Echium Wildpretii seed or know where I can get some? 1 listing on ebay but that's an auction and it pretty pricey

EDIT: Found some on ebay Germany, 5 left http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181331164037? ... 1439.l2649

[cordyman]

Here it is now, will it flower this year that's the question??



How's it grown so much since September too?? See op. For pic.

[pdid]

Both mine are 3rd year plants and both have flower buds on them now.

[derrick]

Mines dead I have a five foot post overprotected the poor thing .I have six small ones and no room to plant them .I will keep some in big pots .