Pride of madeira (Echium candicans)

Also known as: Fastuosum

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) is a perennial shrub originating from Madeira Island. Despite being invasive in regions like California, New Zealand, and Australia, it enjoys global popularity as an ornamental plant. Its appeal lies in its striking blue or purple flower spikes and resilience to drought, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Additionally, its capacity to attract pollinators such as bees enhances its desirability in environmentally conscious landscaping.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Pride of madeira

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

1.2 cm

Flower Color

Blue Purple

Images of Pride of madeira

Quickly Identify Pride of madeira

Robust evergreen shrub, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall and wide.

Long, narrow gray-green leaves clustered towards branch ends.

Prominent 20 inch (50 cm) flower stalks with small bluish-purple flowers and reddish stamens.

Attracts pollinators like honey bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Eye-catching floral displays in spring to early summer.

Scientific Classification of Pride of madeira

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Boraginales

Family

Borage

Genus

Viper's-buglosses

Species

Pride of madeira

Planting and Growing of Pride of madeira

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Pride of madeira?

Echium candicans appreciates a consistent but measured watering schedule. Aim to supply approximately 500 milliliters per session, ensuring the soil remains barely moist without becoming overly saturated. This allows the plant's roots to access sufficient moisture without the risk of waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Pride of madeira? ›

What should I do if my Pride of madeira is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Pride of madeira? ›

How to save an overwatered Pride of madeira? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Pride of madeira?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 8 hours daily

Echium candicans thrives best in full to partial sun, with 4 to 8 hours of sunlight beneficial for its growth. Ideal lighting enhances its flowering and strengthens its natural defenses.

What is the preferred lighting condition for Echium candicans? ›

How can I ensure Echium candicans gets ideal lighting? ›

What benefits does ideal lighting provide to Echium candicans? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Pride of madeira?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature for growing Echium candicans is between 50°F and 75°F. This range ensures optimal growth and flowering, providing a stable environment without extremes that might stress the plant. Maintaining this temperature helps the plant to flourish and display its vibrant blue flowers.

What Soil is Best for Pride of madeira?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Echium candicans thrives best in well-draining soils to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. This ensures the plant can absorb nutrients efficiently, maintaining its robust health. Though not overly demanding, this plant benefits from soils with an adequate organic matter content. It supports lush green foliage and vibrant flowering, enhancing the plant's ornamental appeal. While it prefers slightly dry conditions, the soil must retain moderate moisture to sustain the plant during dry spells, ensuring continued growth and vitality.

How to Fertilize Pride of madeira?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Echium candicans thrives best with a balanced supply of nutrients. For liquid fertilizer, use half the recommended strength for general houseplants, approximately 10-15 ml per liter of water. For slow-release fertilizers, distribute about 30-50 grams evenly around the plant base every four months.

How to Prune Pride of madeira?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Avoid pruning when rainfall is expected or when the atmosphere is too humid, as this can increase the chance of fungal infections entering the freshly cut stems. Echium candicans can cause skin irritation for some individuals. It's advisable to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin while working with this plant.

How to Propagate Pride of madeira plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Harvest the seeds from mature Echium candicans flowers after they have dried on the plant. Ensure seeds are fully developed and dried for the best germination results.

Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep them in a warm spot with indirect sunlight until they germinate.

Choose a healthy, non-flowering shoot, and cut a 10-15 cm piece. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone before planting in a moist sandy medium.

How to Repot Pride of madeira plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Recognizing the right time to repot Echium candicans involves observing its growth. If roots are protruding from the drainage holes, the plant seems top-heavy, or if its growth appears stunted despite regular care, it’s time to repot. The ideal times are early spring or autumn when the plant experiences less heat stress and can adjust well to new soil conditions.

Selecting the right pot for Echium candicans is crucial for its growth. Opt for a pot that is one size larger than the current pot to accommodate root growth without overwhelming the plant with too much soil, which could lead to waterlogging. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

A well-draining soil mix is vital for Echium candicans to ensure excess water flows through efficiently. A sandy soil mix replicates the plant’s natural habitat, providing both stability and aeration to the roots. This kind of soil prevents compaction, allowing roots to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively, promoting healthier growth and vibrant blooms.

Toxicity of Pride of madeira

Is Pride of madeira toxic to humans?

The Pride of Madeira can prove to be harmful to humans upon contact or ingestion. The resulting effects can range from moderate to severe. It is important to exercise caution with all parts of this plant, particularly its sap and hairy leaves, both of which possess toxic characteristics. Contact with the hairs or sap may cause dermatitis, while consumption of the plant might lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Over time, the plant's toxins can lead to an enlarged liver and spleen or impact internal organs, potentially causing liver disease or gastroenteritis. Always wear gloves when handling this plant and ensure that this ornamental species is kept out of children's reach.

Is Pride of madeira toxic to cat?

The plant variety known as 'pride of madeira' is recognized as toxic to felines. Cats might unintentionally consume various sections of 'pride of madeira', resulting in poisoning due to the toxicity present in all its parts. Following ingestion, affected cats may display signs of physical unease or distress. Should there be any suspicion of poisoning from 'pride of madeira', it is essential to obtain prompt veterinary assistance. Timely intervention can be vital in addressing the health hazards linked to the poisonous nature of 'pride of madeira'.

Is Pride of madeira toxic to dog?

Pride of Madeira is a plant that poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of dogs, as it is highly toxic. If dogs accidentally ingest any portion of this plant, they risk poisoning since all parts of pride of madeira are harmful. Symptoms from consuming this plant can range from vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy to more severe complications, depending on both the quantity ingested and the individual dog's sensitivity. It is essential for dog owners to prevent their pets from accessing this plant and to keep a close watch on them when in areas where pride of madeira is found. Should there be any suspicion that a dog has consumed any part of this plant, it is vital to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to ensure quick treatment and optimal outcomes.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.