shrub

Pride of Madeira

Echium candicans

The Story

Plant Bio

Echium candicans, the Pride of Madeira, is a rapid-growing, evergreen subshrub that forms a broad mound of coarse, gray-green foliage. In its second and subsequent years, the plant produces large, upright, spire-like flowering spikes covered in dense blue-purple blossoms with protruding pink stamens.

The narrow, lanceolate leaves are covered in stiff, bristly hairs that provide a distinct silvery sheen in coastal light. The dramatic cylindrical flower panicles can reach up to 12 inches in length, drawing large numbers of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic structural interest with its massive, upright blue-purple flower spikes and silvery-grey mounding foliage.

Offers exceptional wind, salt, and drought tolerance, making it ideal for stabilizing soil on coastal bluffs and slopes.

Attracts and supports a wide range of pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with its nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Madeira

Toxicity

Moderate

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with exceptionally well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, taking care not to saturate the soil.
Prune the entire plant back hard to a leafy basal framework immediately after summer flowering to maintain a compact, rounded shape.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak, leggy growth at the expense of flowers.

Pro Tip

Prune spent flower spikes hard immediately after flowering down to strong lateral buds; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems will kill the branch as it cannot back-bud.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with excellent drainage and full sun exposure.
Prune immediately after flowering to prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from the bristly foliage.

Don't

Do not prune into old, bare, leafless wood.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply heavy or high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardensRock gardensDrought-tolerant bordersSlopes and banks for erosion controlSpecimen plantings

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Arctostaphylos Salvia Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pride of Madeira questions

What zones can Pride of Madeira grow in?

Pride of Madeira is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Pride of Madeira bloom?

Pride of Madeira typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pride of Madeira need full sun?

Pride of Madeira does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Pride of Madeira drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pride of Madeira handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.