Echium Candicans, Santa Cruz

Echium Candicans is a flowering species of plant native to the island of Madeira. The plant is commonly known as the pride of Madeira. After the first year of germination, the head of the flower is covered in blue flowers, with red stamens and, as a result, the plant is a favorite among bees and butterflies in the blooming months. The plant typically reaches a height of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) and is extremely tolerant of low rainfalls and even droughts. Despite being considered an invasive species, the plant is a popular ornamental coastal plant in California. It is also common in New Zealand and Australia. The Echium Candicans has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The species is widely cultivated around the world for horticultural and flower trade purposes.

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