Pride of Madeira
Echium fastuosum
Pride of Madeira
Echium fastuosum
- Echium fastuosum, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, is a bold, fast growing shrub that brings dramatic color and structure into the landscape. It’s one of those plants that really puts on a show when in bloom.
- The foliage forms a dense base of long, slightly fuzzy, gray green leaves that have a soft, textured look. Even out of bloom, it has a strong presence and works well as a background plant.
- In spring through early summer, it sends up tall, conical flower spikes covered in vibrant purple to blue blooms. These flower towers can reach several feet above the foliage and create a major focal point, especially when planted in groups.
- It grows quickly and fills space well, making it a great option for larger areas, slopes, or as a standout specimen in the garden.
- Echium fastuosum grows best in full sun and requires well drained soil. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant and performs well in coastal and mild inland conditions.
- It typically reaches about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming a full, rounded shrub. It is well suited for USDA zones 9 through 11. The foliage is evergreen.
- This plant has low toxicity and is generally a safe choice for gardens with pets and children.
- The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
- It is generally deer resistant, though occasional browsing may occur.
- Echium fastuosum fits especially well into Mediterranean, coastal, and naturalistic garden designs, where its bold blooms can be used as a focal point.
- It pairs well with plants like Ceanothus ‘Yankee Point’ for a strong coastal palette, Salvia clevelandii ‘Winifred Gilman’ to reinforce color and attract pollinators, and Myoporum parvifolium ‘Putah Creek’ to create a clean, low groundcover beneath.
- Expert Tip:
- I like to give this plant enough room to really show off when it blooms. Those flower spikes can get big, and if it’s crowded, you lose some of that impact. Placing it where it has space around it makes a big difference in how dramatic it feels in the landscape. Dont be afraid to hard prune it every couple years to keep a more tidy and compact form.
- — Nick from Rooted Theory
Foliage:
Evergreen
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun (6+ Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Water Needs:
Low,
Low to Moderate
Form:
Upright And Rounded
Mature Width:
6-7'
Mature Height:
6-7'
Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:
- Properly dig the hole
- Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
- Place the plant and backfill the soil
- Provide ample water for each particular plant
- Review our how to plant guide!
For detailed information, please download our planting guides: