Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pride of Madeira 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 Pride of Madeira
Echium candicans, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, is a spectacular and robust perennial shrub native to Madeira, renowned for its impressive conical flower spikes. It grows up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in height and width, featuring lance-shaped, silvery-green, hairy leaves that form a basal rosette. Its dense inflorescences, appearing in spring and early summer, are composed of hundreds of small blue-purple flowers, creating a dramatic visual impact in coastal gardens, rockeries, or as a striking focal point.
Native range
Canary Islands and Madeira
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, as it is very drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately during establishment and significantly reduce watering as it matures; overwatering is the most common mistake and can lead to root rot. It tolerates sea spray well and is ideal for Mediterranean or coastal climates; protect from severe frosts if temperatures drop significantly.
How to save a dying Pride of Madeira
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, soft and drooping stems, no flowering, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and sun exposure. Remove damaged leaves/stems. If potted, consider repotting to a larger one with well-draining substrate.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot, or lack of sun. Does not tolerate frost or heavy soils.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and watering/sun issues are corrected. Act quickly.