Echium Candicans

Common Name:
Pride of Madeira

Description:
Echium candicans, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, is a striking evergreen shrub that delivers bold architectural form and spectacular spring-to-summer flowering displays. It produces tall, conical flower spikes densely packed with violet-blue flowers highlighted by red stamens, rising above coarse, silvery-green foliage. The blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a favourite for wildlife-friendly gardens. Native to the island of Madeira, Echium candicans thrives in Melbourne’s full sun conditions and is extremely drought-tolerant once established. It prefers well-drained soils and can handle coastal winds, poor soils, and light frost. Ideal for Mediterranean, coastal, or low-maintenance gardens, it adds dramatic impact when used as a feature plant, in mass plantings, or on embankments and dry slopes. Minimal maintenance is required beyond an annual prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.

Form:
Shrub – Medium
Shrub – Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
Height: 1.5–2.5 m
Width: 1.5–2.5 m

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Violet Blue
Purple
Red Stamens

Key Attributes:
Drought Tolerant
Coastal Tolerant
Bee Attracting
Butterfly Attracting
Low Maintenance
Fast Growing
Evergreen
Suitable for Slopes and Dry Banks
Excellent for Mediterranean and Wildlife Gardens

Toxicity:
Toxic if ingested – contains alkaloids that may be harmful to humans and pets
Skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals when handling foliage

Companion Plants:
Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage)
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant)
Westringia fruticosa