genus Echium pininana , also known as the Tower of Jewels , is a stunning plant that can reach impressive elevation in the garden . This biennial plant typically grows to a superlative of 15 - 18 foot . tall ( 450 - 540 cm ) and has a bedspread of 2 - 3 foot . wide ( 60 - 90 curium ) . Its predominate stature earn it a real showstopper in any landscape .
In terms of cultivation , Echium pininana thrives in full Sunday , so it ’s essential to choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 - 8 hr of lineal sunlight day by day . This plant also prefers fairly rich , well - drained soils . If your stain is grievous or Henry Clay - like , look at amending it with organic matter , such as compost , to improve drainage .
When it comes to planting Echium pininana , sow the seeds directly into the ground in early bounce or late summer . It ’s of import to observe that this plant is a biennial , meaning it completes its lifecycle in two year . In the first year , it give rise a rosette of leaf close to the flat coat . Then , in the second year , it shoot up a tall heyday spike , which can reach its impressive height .
During the second year of maturation , it ’s of the essence to provide keep for the tall flower spike . This can be done by using stakes or a treillage system to keep the plant from toppling over due to its summit and weight . Without right financial backing , the flower spike may bow or demote , belittle the overall ocular impingement of the plant life .
In terms of maintenance , Echium pininana is comparatively blue - maintenance once constitute . Regular watering is necessary during dry period , but be sure not to overwater , as this plant prefers well - drained soils . Applying a layer of constitutive mulch around the root word of the works can help retain moisture and suppress gage growth .
One far-famed aspect of Echium pininana is its ability to attract pollinators , especially bees . The tall flower spike is breed with numerous little , tubular flowers that provide a deep germ of nectar for these beneficial insects . If you ’re looking to make a pollinator - friendly garden , Echium pininana can be an excellent add-on .
In my personal experience , I had the pleasure of growing Echium pininana in my own garden . I was astonied by its rapid growth and the striking presence it brought to the landscape . The grandiloquent prime spike was a sight to behold , pull in not only bees but also butterfly stroke and hummingbird . It truly added a cutaneous senses of grandeur to my garden and became a conversation starter among visitors .
To summarize , Echium pininana is a glorious biennial plant that can reach high of 15 - 18 ft . magniloquent and 2 - 3 ft . wide . It requires full sun and well - drained soils for optimum growing . Providing support for the grandiloquent flower spike is essential to prevent toppling . This plant is a pollinator attraction and can work a touch of grandeur to any garden .
Caroline Bates
