Boraginaceae
Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)
Echium candicans
A very resilient outdoor plant requiring full sun and minimal watering once established. Prefers well-draining sandy soils. Tolerates wind, poor soils, and coastal salinity. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Protect from hard frosts.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-4° - 38°C
30% - 60%
Categories
What is Pride of Madeira?
Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) is a easy-care plant from the Boraginaceae family. Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) is a striking evergreen shrub native to the island of Madeira, Portugal. It produces spectacular cone-shaped flower spikes densely packed with blue and purple blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A robust, low-maintenance plant ideal for Medite...
Pride of Madeira grows up to 2.4m, with spread of 305cm, watering every 14 days, -4°C – 38°C, 30–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
After planting, water weekly for the first 3-6 months to help establishment. Established plants are highly drought-tolerant - water every 2-3 weeks in summer and even less in winter. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as excess moisture causes root rot.
Lighting
Plant in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant does not tolerate shade - in low-light locations it will not bloom and will lose its vigor.
Ideal Soil
Prefers sandy or loamy soils with excellent drainage. Does not tolerate clay or waterlogged soils. Amend with coarse sand or perlite if needed. Ideal pH is 6.0-7.5.
Recommended Pot
Large terracotta pot with generous drainage holes, or directly in a garden bed in a sunny location with good air circulation.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 90 days
About Pride of Madeira
Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) is a striking evergreen shrub native to the island of Madeira, Portugal. It produces spectacular cone-shaped flower spikes densely packed with blue and purple blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A robust, low-maintenance plant ideal for Mediterranean gardens, coastal landscapes, and rocky slopes. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils with minimal care.
How to Propagate
Seed propagation
Light scarification can improve germination rates. Use light, well-draining substrate.
- 1 Collect ripe seeds in late summer or fall
- 2 Sow on the surface of well-draining moist substrate
- 3 Keep at 18-21 degrees C
- 4 After germination, transplant seedlings to individual pots
- 5 Plant in final location when robust enough
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
Keep substrate slightly moist. A humidity dome improves success rates.
- 1 Take 10-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer
- 2 Remove lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 at the top
- 3 Apply rooting hormone to the cut base
- 4 Insert into sandy moist substrate
- 5 Keep in bright location out of direct sun until rooted
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
2.4m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of pride and the exuberant beauty of Madeiran flora, representing the wild beauty and resilience of the Atlantic island nature.
Fun Facts
It is the emblematic plant of Madeira Island, growing wild on rocky hillsides throughout the island.
Its flowers are a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies during spring.
Despite its lush appearance, it thrives in poor soils and arid conditions.
It can live 5-10 years in the garden, producing spectacular blooms every year.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Pride of Madeira?
Is Pride of Madeira toxic?
When does Echium candicans bloom?
What soil is best for Pride of Madeira?
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| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
