By Daisyd1
United Kingdom 
I live in Derbyshire (so normally cold in winter). I like to try to grow Echiums. I have a two year old one in flower at present (it looks wonderful). It is about 8-9 ft tall. Is there any way to overwinter it outside? Last winter it was only about 4 ft so I managed to cover it in fleece and straw (plus it was a relatively mild winter. However, I am struggling to see how I can fleece an 8-9 ft plant especially as the flower head is not very firm at the top. Any ideas?
25 May, 2014
If it is the Echium pinnana it is a short-lived plant - 2 or 3 years. Basically it makes a big plant, then flowers and dies. There are smaller, more branched types that are perennial. But the good thing is the seed is very viable. So collect ripe seed off it (and look out for seedlings in the garden) and sow it straight away or in summer. Then the seedlings should be robust enough to get through winter (needing wrapping or put in greenhouse) Then you can plant out in spring. They will flower next year of they put enough growth on. If not - you will have a big plant to get through winter again! So be careful where you put them,... We sometimes put them under a wall or fence where we can make a sort of fleece tent over them. As long as the weather isn't too bad - that usually works. Sometimes I just wrap a bit of fleece around a single plant and hope it doesn't blow off when I'm away or something. They are contrary thiongs to grow - but SO worth it when they flower. Having cosseted several through the years -my huge white flowered one - with 4 stems and 12 foot high - was one that just landed here on its own!! I also nhave a 6 ft one that has not flowered this spring - so I don't know how I'm going to protect that one - it will be HUGE by winter...
28 May, 2014