Tower of Jewels

Tower of Jewels Overview

Echium wildpretii is an attractive biennial plant in the Boraginaceae family. This species is found naturally on the Canary Islands and it is commonly known by the name Tower of Jewels. It has an erect habit and doesn't typically branch, growing to around 2m, foliage is narrow, silver-green and hairy. A leafy rosette is formed in the first year, flowers are produced in the second year. They are pretty, small, pink-red and arranged densely on a tall flowering spike, appearing in early summer. This species is termed monocarpic as after flowering, it dies. It has an upright, columnar habit and is half-hardy, keep above freezing temperatures, place in a sheltered position, in full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.