Growing guide

How to grow Echium

There are Echium to suit different garden styles, including exotic plantings, borders, dry gardens, containers, meadows, and conservatories. Some need frost-free conditions in winter but, given a sunny spot and free-draining soil, anyone can take on the challenge and enjoy spectacular results.

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Quick facts

  • Flower spikes range from 50cm (20in) up to 4m (13ft)
  • Flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, red and white    
  • Most Echium flower during summer
  • Suitable for borders or containers 
  • Thrives in full sun
  • Some species require winter protection as they can’t survive frosts
  • Echium can be grown from seed and cuttings taken from shrubby plants 

All you need to know

Before you get started
Planting
Ongoing care
Pruning and training
Propagating
Problems
While we think all this information will be helpful to you, we always recommend to read the instruction labels on your plants.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.