Pride of madeira - Echium candicans (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Pride of madeira

Also known as: Fastuosum

Pride of madeira, also known as Echium candicans, is a flowering perennial herbaceous shrub native to the island of Madeira. Pride of madeira is considered an invasive species in California, New Zealand, and Australia. It is a popular ornamental plant in many places around the world for its drought tolerance and ability to attract bees.

Scientific classification

Species

Pride of madeira (Echium candicans)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

1.2 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

Blue, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, White, Blue

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Pride of madeira

Distribution of Pride of madeira

Distribution Map

Pride of madeira is a beautiful flowering shrub/tree that can only be found growing wild in the long forests of its native Spain and Portugal, and as an introduced species in California and New Zealand. It is considered an invasive species in California.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Garden, roadsides, shingle banks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Pride of madeira (Echium candicans) is a highly valued ornamental plant that produces dramatic and showy blue flower stems that bloom from late spring through summer. These flowers are excellent attractors of bees and hummingbirds. Grow pride of madeira in beds and borders of cottage and informal gardens. However, this plant also looks great in meadows especially when paired with other wildflowers such as catmint, bush sage, and Chinese silver grass.

Symbolism

Infinite romantic longing, inviting peace and tranquility

Interesting Facts

Rising out of the chaparrals, the flowers are arranged in two rows forming a spiraling cone shape. Flowers are bisexual with seeds appearing after blossoms fade. Considered a perfect flower, bisexual flowers have both male and female reproductive structures on the same plant, ensuring blooming plants that can produce fruit or seed without the need for a plant of the opposite sex.

Name Story

Pride of madeira: This plant produces broad roses and leaves, woody flowering stems covered with rough leaves and large flower heads covered with blue flowers and red stamens. As the name Pride of Madeira implies, it comes from Madeira Island and is common on Madeira Island.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Pride of madeira is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Contact with its sap and hairy leaves can cause dermatitis, while ingestion leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. In the long term, it can damage internal organs, including the liver and spleen. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets showing poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting and lethargy. Exercise caution and use gloves.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Pride of madeira

Robust evergreen shrub, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) tall and wide.

Long, narrow gray-green leaves clustered towards branch ends.

Prominent 20 inch (50 cm) flower stalks with small bluish-purple flowers and reddish stamens.

Attracts pollinators like honey bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Eye-catching floral displays in spring to early summer.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Pride of madeira

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Pride of madeira prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture in subtropical climates. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, needing weekly watering. Typically grown outdoors, pride of madeira thrives in coastal areas, tolerating saline conditions and benefiting from sea mists.

Fertilize: To promote healthy growth and blooms, fertilize pride of madeira in spring with high phosphorus fertilizers, applying 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet quarterly. Avoid over-fertilization during dormancy. Consistent, moderate feeding enhances foliage vigor and ornamental appeal.

Pruning: Pride of madeira features vibrant blue flowers and grows quickly. Prune in early spring to late winter by removing dead branches and lightly trimming excess growth for improved flowering and health. Post-bloom, clear spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent invasiveness for an attractive display.

Propagation: Pride of madeira is primarily propagated via cuttings in Spring or Summer. This process has moderate difficulty, with successful propagation indicated by root development and new growth. No further propagation tips are needed.

Repotting: Repot pride of madeira every 2-3 years in spring, selecting a pot one size larger and using well-draining soil. Water sparingly post-repotting and provide full sun to promote healthy growth and vigorous spire development.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Pride of madeira

Distribution of Pride of madeira

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Pride of madeira

Care Guide for Pride of madeira

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases