Echium wildpretii aka Tower Of Jewels

Taxonomy

Echium wildpretii, also known as Tower of Jewels, is a species of flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. Native to the Canary Islands, this herbaceous biennial plant can reach heights of up to 3 meters (10 feet). It is typically found on Mount Teide in Tenerife, although a subspecies called E. wildpretii subsp. trichosiphon can be found at high altitudes on the island of La Palma. The plant features an erect, unbranched stem with narrow, silvery-hairy leaves. In early summer, it produces a tall narrow panicle of small red flowers. Tower ofels thrives in rocky, volcanic hillsides with cool, dry summers. During its first year, it forms a basal rosette of silvery green long thin leaves, which is followed by a 5-7 foot tall flower stem in the second or possibly third year. This stem bears hundreds of dark rose-pink flowers with protruding stamens in a dense terminal spike. Other common names for this plant include red bugloss, Tenerife bugloss, and Mount Teide bugloss.

Common names

Tower Of Jewels

How to care for Tower Of Jewels

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Tower Of Jewels due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Tower Of Jewels should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tower Of Jewels loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Tower Of Jewels thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tower Of Jewels.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Tower Of Jewels is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Tower Of Jewels grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.


More info:
Wikipedia