Pride of Madeira

Pride of Madeira

1 Gallon
$19.00
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Pride of Madeira
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Pride of Madeira

Echium fastuosum, Echium candicans

A fast-growing, drought-defying shrub famed for its towering purple flower spikes that are a paradise for pollinators.

$19.00
Container sizeSize guide

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Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Pride of Madeira is a dramatic, architectural shrub that creates a breathtaking spectacle in the spring garden. Its most striking feature is the enormous, cone-shaped flower spikes that rise like purple spires above the rosettes of long, silvery-gray foliage. Each spike is densely packed with hundreds of small, violet-blue flowers that are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Fast-growing and exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, it adds a bold, sculptural presence to coastal landscapes, dry slopes, and Mediterranean-style gardens, thriving with minimal care.

  • Spectacular Purple Flower Spikes: Produces multiple, large, upright flower spikes in shades of vibrant violet-blue, each reaching 12-18 inches long, creating an unforgettable display.

  • Exceptional Drought & Coastal Tolerance: Once established, it thrives with little to no supplemental water and is highly resistant to salt spray, wind, and poor, rocky soils.

  • Major Pollinator Attractor: The nectar-rich blooms are an invaluable food source for a wide variety of pollinators, especially bees, during its spring flowering period.

  • Fast-Growing & Architectural: Quickly forms a large, rounded shrub with a strong, branching structure and attractive, felted silver foliage that provides year-round interest.

  • Ideal for Low-Water Landscapes: A premier choice for water-wise gardens, coastal bluffs, dry slopes, and adding dramatic structure to mixed borders.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature spread: 6-10 ft
  • Light: Full sun

Needs confirmation

  • Features:Long, lance-shaped gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs, arranged in rosettes. Produces spectacular purple flower spikes in towering conical clusters.
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Key Advantages:Drought and salt tolerant,Stunning floral display,Low maintenance,Deer resistant
  • Landscape Uses:Coastal landscapes,Xeriscape gardens,Mediterranean designs,Slope stabilization
  • Special Care:Wear gloves when handling (irritating hairs),Avoid overwatering,Cut back spent flower stalks,Tolerates poor soils
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Spring to early summer,Foliage: Evergreen

Faqs

Q: Is it a short-lived plant?
A: Yes, it is typically monocarpic, meaning the main flowering rosette dies after setting seed (usually in 2-5 years). However, it often produces offsets (pups) around the base that will grow to replace it. Removing spent flower spikes before they set seed can sometimes prolong the parent plant's life.

Q: Are there any handling precautions?
A: Yes. The leaves and stems are covered in fine, stiff hairs that can be highly irritating to the skin for some people, causing a rash similar to fiberglass itch. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when handling or pruning this plant.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

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A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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