Echium candicans, widely recognized as Pride of Madeira, is a dramatic evergreen subshrub native to the island of Madeira. This fast-growing plant is highly valued for its spectacular, cone-shaped flower spikes, which erupt in shades of bluish-purple during late spring and summer. Its striking appearance is complemented by a dense rosette of silvery-green, hairy foliage, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a bold, architectural plant. The shrub is well-suited for water-wise and coastal landscapes.
Selecting the Ideal Site and Soil Conditions
Establishing the Pride of Madeira successfully begins with selecting a location that provides maximum sun exposure. The plant flourishes in full sun, which encourages vigorous growth and the densest production of its signature flower spikes. Gardeners in extremely hot inland areas may consider a spot that receives some afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching.
The shrub is best suited for climates within USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, reflecting its preference for mild winters. While established plants can tolerate brief drops in temperature down to about 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, hard or prolonged frost will cause significant damage. In marginally cold regions, planting in a sheltered location can offer some protection.
The native habitat of Echium candicans is characterized by rocky cliffs, underscoring its need for exceptionally well-drained soil. A sandy, gravelly, or loamy composition is ideal, as it prevents water from lingering around the root crown. Clay-heavy or consistently wet soil is detrimental and can quickly lead to root rot.
This species is highly adaptable and performs well even in poor or moderately fertile soils. Overly rich soil should be avoided, as a high nutrient content, particularly nitrogen, tends to promote leafy growth at the expense of floral development. The porosity of the medium remains the most important factor for plant health. Given its mature size of up to 6 to 10 feet wide, plants should be spaced at least 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
Routine Watering and Feeding Regimens
Water management is crucial, considering the plant’s inherent drought tolerance. Newly planted specimens require consistent, deep watering for the first few months to help them establish a robust root system. Once the shrub is fully established, typically after its first year, its watering needs decrease significantly.
The most common mistake when caring for this plant is overwatering, which causes the dense, fibrous roots to rot. It is necessary to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions, even during the active growing season. In many mild coastal climates, a mature plant may require little to no supplemental irrigation during the summer months.
Watering frequency should be reduced dramatically in the winter, often to the point of withholding water entirely in areas with winter rainfall. During the hottest summer periods, particularly inland, a deep soak once every few weeks is generally sufficient. Drooping leaves are often a clear sign that the plant needs water, but they will quickly recover once hydrated.
Fertilization is rarely a necessity for a species adapted to poor, rocky soils. When planted in the ground, the Pride of Madeira typically thrives without any feeding regimen. If the soil is exceptionally impoverished and growth appears stunted, a very light application of a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 ratio, can be applied in the spring. High-nitrogen products should be strictly avoided because they stimulate heavy leaf production, which diminishes the potential for abundant flowering.
Applying a layer of coarse mulch, such as gravel or wood chips, around the base of the plant helps to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture. In regions where temperatures might dip near the plant’s lower tolerance limit, mulching the root crown with a thick layer of material can also provide insulation against cold weather. The mulch should be kept a few inches away from the main stem to prevent moisture buildup that could encourage rot.
Pruning and Propagation Techniques
Pruning
Pruning is primarily a maintenance activity focused on aesthetics and the prevention of excessive self-seeding. The plant’s biennial or short-lived perennial nature means that the large, spectacular flower spikes will die back after they have finished blooming. Deadheading these spent flower spikes is the most important pruning task, as it cleans up the plant’s appearance and prevents the dispersal of numerous seeds.
If left to mature, the seeds can germinate prolifically, potentially leading to a large number of unwanted seedlings in the garden. This deadheading should be done promptly after the blue-purple flowers fade and before the seed capsules fully dry out. Structural pruning to manage size or shape can be performed in late fall or early spring, cutting back leggy or damaged stems to encourage bushier growth.
The plant does not tolerate heavy pruning into old, woody growth, so cuts should only be made into the younger, softer stem tissue. Always wear gloves when handling the foliage, as the gray-green leaves are covered in fine, irritating hairs that can cause skin irritation upon contact. Light tip pruning on younger plants can help maintain a denser, more rounded form.
Propagation
Propagation can be easily achieved using either seeds or softwood cuttings. Growing from seed is straightforward, with germination often occurring readily when sown in a well-draining mix at temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, seedlings may exhibit genetic variation from the parent plant, and since the plant is often biennial, it will not flower until its second year of growth.
For a true-to-type clone of the parent, softwood cuttings should be taken in mid-to-late summer. A 3-inch cutting is removed from a non-flowering shoot, just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are stripped away. Dipping the base of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder before inserting it into a soilless medium significantly improves the chance of successful rooting.