Echium wildpretii aka Tower Of Jewels

Echium wildpretii is called tower of jewels or red bugloss. It belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its native home is Tenerife in the Canary Islands. There, it grows on rocky slopes formed by volcanoes. These sites have cool, dry summers. The plant usually lives as a biennial. Some sources also describe it as a short-lived perennial.

In its first year, it forms a low leaf rosette. This spreads 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] across. The narrow, silver-green leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips. Each leaf can reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] long. The foliage stays evergreen. A single upright flower stem rises in the second year. Some plants wait until their third year to bloom. Garden heights range from 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. RHS gives a smaller spread than the other sources.

The tall flower head holds hundreds of small, funnel-shaped blooms. Their colours range from rose pink through red to violet. Long stamens project beyond the flowers. Narrow leaves also grow along the flower stem. Bloom falls in late spring and early summer, often May–June. Butterflies and other pollinators visit the flowers. After bloom, the plant sets seed and dies. Its dry form can still add interest to the garden. Plants may renew themselves from seed where winters suit them.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. It suits dry gardens, rock gardens, borders, and large pots. Its tall form makes a strong accent among lower plants. It grows in sandy, loamy, or rocky ground. Avoid rich soil and ground that stays damp. RHS lists neutral to alkaline soil as suitable. Sources place it in USDA zones 9–10 or 9–11. RHS rates it H2 and calls for frost protection. In colder areas, a greenhouse and large pot offer shelter. Water greenhouse plants well during growth, but less in winter.

Serious pest and disease problems are not widely reported. Slugs may attack it outdoors. Under glass, whitefly and red spider mites may cause trouble. It needs no routine pruning. Deer resistance adds to its value in exposed gardens. RHS warns that the plant can irritate skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it.