Can echium grow in Northern Virginia, Alexandria, to be exact? I don't remember ever seeing the plant and ran across it in Better Homes and Gardens September 2016 issue. Thank you, Pat Tierney
Echium vulgare (Viper's bugloss) is hardy from zones 3 to 11, so it will be happy in Virginia or nearly everywhere else in the continental US. There are several other species in the Echium genus that will also do well in your location, but the tropical species probably wouldn't make it through the winter.
This year I used green fleece in my echium pininata. However, I have just discovered those covered have dropped most of their leaves when those not covered and growing well. I never had this trouble with white fleece. Your comments please.
Though these products can certainly offer protection, there is danger of excess heat and moisture building up; even on cold days.
Wait and see, and I suspect your plants will recover.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-covering-materials.htm
Hello & thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to help me with. I have 2 healthy Echium's that are looking quite good considering the string of frosts we have had in Central Victoria. My question is.... How long does it take for Echium plants to flower? I gave them a feed of slow release fertiliser today but wondering if I may have hindered it further ..... they are both in full sun, planted in sandy soil, never been trimmed or pruned, only get water that comes with rain fall, is not mulched or composted, until today - has never had any slow release fertiliser...... I read something about - they can take up to 4 years after planting before they flower...is this correct? I think mine have been in about 3 years...Many thanks for any help...Belle
Echium can act a biennials and may not bloom the first year they are planted.
This article has care information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/tower-of-jewels/echium-tower-of-jewels-info.htm
Hi I planted 2 echiums last year and right now they are completely black. Will they come back for their flower this year or are they dead. Edwina
The ones that are dead will not come back. They are biennials. This means that the first year is spent growing the leaves, while the second will set a flower spike, thus completing its life cycle.
There is good news, though. These flowers drop seeds like crazy. You will have more come up but they will take 2 years to complete their cycle again.
Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/tower-of-jewels/echium-tower-of-jewels-info.htm
My pride of madera was left uncovered this winter and all the 12 branches lost their leaves and I'm at a loss as to where I go from here( do you think it has died?)
What is your climate zone? These are only suited for USDA zones 9-11. Some varieties are short lived anyway. They will reseed themselves, but I'm not sure what variety that you have. This link will help you to find your climate zone: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/planting-zones/usda-planting-zone-map.htm
If grown in a pot, what size pot is required to grow Echium wildprettii?
This is best grown in a final container size of between 4 and 8 gallons, ideally about 10L will do.
I have a small echium developing in my garden and a looking forward to many others in years to come. It is surrounded by forest bark mulch. Will this have a a negative effect on future seeds germinating?
They are self fertile so will always produce viable seed. Once the flowers have faded, you can either leave the (brown) flower spike where it is or cut it down and shake the seeds (one in each ex-flower, the size of a pin head) around the garden. The seeds seem to remain viable for many years and might germinate anytime from the same year they flowered to 15 years hence. If you like them, you'll need to get to recognize the seedlings so as not to weed them but to leave them.
The mulch should not be an issue. If they are growing, do not disturb!