Echium wildpretii
perennial RHS Award

Tenerife bugloss

Echium wildpretii

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

96 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Biennial

Native To

Canary Islands

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested, skin irritant

The Story

Plant Bio

A striking biennial known for its tall, dense spike of rose-pink to red flowers, emerging from a rosette of silvery, hairy leaves. Native to the Canary Islands, it is known for its ability to thrive in poor, dry soils.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesEchium wildpretii provides striking, tall, spiky floral displays that attract pollinators and add visual interest to xeriscapes and native plant gardens.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance reduces water needs, making it suitable for water-wise gardening.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds on the soil surface and press gently into the soil.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
  3. Ensure well-draining sandy soil for optimal growth.
  4. Water sparingly during establishment, then moderately once established.
  5. Provide full sun to promote healthy flowering and growth.
  6. Transplant seedlings after the last frost, typically in early spring.

Pro Tip

Use sandy, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water sparingly once established ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Provide full sun for optimal growth
  • Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging
  • Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring
  • Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage bushier growth

Don't

  • Overwater, which can cause root rot โŒ
  • Plant in shady areas as it requires full sun
  • Use heavy clay soil that retains too much moisture โŒ
  • Neglect pruning, which can lead to leggy plants
  • Apply excessive fertilizer, risking weak stems

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Propagate
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sandy-drained hillside for dramatic displayTall, spiky accent in xeriscapesWildflower meadow border

Companion Plants

Agave Echinacea Lavender Yarrow Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tenerife bugloss questions

What zones can Tenerife bugloss grow in?

Tenerife bugloss is hardy in USDA Zones 9โ€“10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tenerife bugloss deer resistant?

Yes โ€” Tenerife bugloss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tenerife bugloss bloom?

Tenerife bugloss typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tenerife bugloss need full sun?

Tenerife bugloss does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Tenerife bugloss drought tolerant?

Yes โ€” once established (usually after the first full season), Tenerife bugloss handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Tenerife bugloss with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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