What happens to Echium after flowering?
After flowering, Echium pininana scatters seed and dies. It self-seeds readily in mild, sheltered parts of the UK, but seed is unlikely to germinate in cooler regions. Remember that winter waterlogging can reduce the hardiness of a plant, so do take care to avoid areas prone to this when planting. Echiums tend to be largely pest and disease free, though you may find slugs and snails develop a taste for their leaves, particularly when young.How to care for Echium pininana: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, as these tall biennials or short-lived perennials dislike cold, wet conditions. Water regularly in the first year to establish, but avoid overwatering once settled.Overwintering. If you grow Echium in containers, tender species can be moved to a light, frost-free place to protect them from the cold and wet during winter. A heated greenhouse kept above 5°C (41°F) is ideal.All Echium need good light levels, warmth and free draining soil to flower and the above information also applies to other varieties. You may need to protect Echium plants through the winter from frost, cold and wet conditions depending on your location in the UK .Echiums grow for one year and then flower in the second year. After that they die but there will be plenty of seedlings to chose from. This way you have an echium flowering every year.
Can echiums be grown in pots?
A common sight in Cornwall as well, Echiums are best grown in very well drained soils, or in large pots with plenty of sand or grit for drainage. When it does grow in spring, keep it well watered between May and August as it grows quickly. Growing echiums from seed and taking cuttings Keep them in a dry envelope over winter and sow them the following spring to summer. You can take cuttings from shrubbier species such as Echium fastuosum, either as softwood cuttings in May to June or as semi-ripe cuttings from August to September.
Where is the best place to plant Echium?
Whichever Echium you decide to grow, it will do best planted in well-drained soil in full sun. BEST CLIMATE/POSITION: Most of Australia, except for very hot and cold, full sun. PREFERRED SOIL: Well drained. PROPAGATION: Can be propagated from seed but cuttings can be taken in summer or spring. POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Less frost hardy than some other Echium varieties.