Echium bonnetii
Care, watering, light and tips for Echium bonnetii on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Echium bonnetii
Echium bonnetii, also known as Canary Viper's Bugloss, is a shrubby perennial plant endemic to the Canary Islands, notable for its striking conical inflorescences of blue or violet flowers. It's an excellent choice for low-maintenance and xeriscaping gardens, as well as rockeries, adding an exotic and Mediterranean touch. Its robust habit and spectacular flowering make it ideal as a focal point or in groups in coastal and dry landscapes.
Native range
Canary Islands, Spain
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development, tolerating some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be sparse once established, as it is very drought-tolerant; overwatering can be detrimental. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or stony soils and is not demanding regarding nutrients. Avoid waterlogging at all costs, as it is the most common mistake leading to root rot.
How to save a dying Echium bonnetii
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing leaves or dry spots, flowers not opening or dropping prematurely.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade, water moderately if soil is dry, check drainage and soil aeration.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (especially in winter), heavy soils and lack of drainage, prolonged frost exposure.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted and main stem is firm. Act quickly with changes in watering and location.