Echium Pininana

We had one a couple of years ago....but like yours it kept on growing, in entirely the wrong place, even survived the beast!! unfortunately we had to remove it, so we never got to seen the lovely flowers....so I will admire yours instead Amy.....they are impressive aren't they?

Really lovely plant for a large border :) I can almost hear the buzzing from here :)

Thanks both , It was fortunate in that we had cleared a border of shrubs it has its own space at the moment , it's the first plant I go to each morning to see how much its grown . Our sandy soil must suit it ...

I'd love this but don't know what I would clear out to give it space.

That's tall !! Do you have it staked ?

It doesn't take up much ground space Sb , No Hywel the stalk is strong its almost like a tree trunk ..

I've been looking at them Amy, fascinating.
Not meaning to put a downer on it but don't they die after flowering?

I've no idea Dawn ,I'll let you know once its finished flowering... Lol ...

You are right Dawn they do die ! apparently they seed well before they do and are 'easy ' to grow .. if it happens would you like some seed ?

Exactly what I heard, oh yes please to seed Amy :-)

I will Dawn if it happens :o)

I saw these for the first time in the gardens at Burton Agnes Hall. The are fantastic aren't they? No room in my garden I'm sorry to say, so like others I'll admire yours instead. ;-)

Thanks Julia they are unusual aren't they ...

Thanks Amy X

Amazing for sure. This plant has always intrigued me ever since you first posted it Amy.

Its a talking point in my garden Paul , its a little special ..

If you go back a few years you may find pics from a GoY member who lived in the Azores. My undependable memory does not give me his name though... He made a speciality of them and seemed quite knowledgeable about their care. Also, member Sandra, from Coreside Nursery in Wales grew them, I think.
Apparently they reach outstanding proportions in the Azores!
I have Echium vulgare... it grows only to about 3 ft..is a beautiful blue with orangey red stamens..and colonizes anywhere the seed lands especially stoney, sunny spots.

waddy Burton Agnes have some amzing specimens of this plant. it is their plant fair on the 15th and 16th June. I will be manning the EY Hardy plant society stall for a couple of hours . are you planning on going?

Thanks Lori , I'll look them up , they do say they will easily seed My neighbours will probably be rewarded with lots of little ones Lol .. Your E. vulgare sounds a beauty :o)

Sbg if you get the time I would be interested in know how you save the seed my plant is dying off I can't see the seed maybe I'm looking to soon and it isn't ready yet !

too soon yet Amy2. It will be forming seed where the petals were. the ovary where the seeds are formed is behind the flowers. as the seed forms that bit swells and then dries to a dull brown. when dry they split and spill the seed. so keep an eye out and as you can see some flowers die off before others so you have lots of chances to get the seed.

Thanks for that Sbg you've explained it so well , I am to soon ,I was worried about missing it as I had promised seed to another GOY friend .. x

I was so happy when I got your seeds Amy & Eileen, both of you, and the lovely cards I still have posted above my desk at home. I hope you are enjoying the spectacular weather we've been having lately. xx

I'm afraid it's cold and raining today Paul , Likewise Paul I have been more than happy with your seeds especially after moving in here last year they provided much needed color in what was a drab colorless garden I'm very grateful for your wonderful gift , they will bloom again this year xx

XX