Pride of Madeira

Pride of Madeira is an evergreen, bushy subshrub with grey-haired lance-shaped leaves and tall, dense flower spikes. Blue flowers, sometimes pale or white, appear in spring and summer and make a bold focal point in a warm, sheltered garden. ## Placement Give this large plant full sun and room to mature; the RHS lists a height and spread of about 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Place it where the broad outline and flower panicles can be seen from a distance, such as a coastal border, courtyard, or sunny informal bed. ## Soil and seasonal display Choose well-drained soil and protect the plant from cold, wet winter conditions. The flower spikes rise above the hairy foliage in spring and summer, while the evergreen leaves retain structure through the rest of the year. The RHS includes it among plants for coastal gardens and flower borders, but also notes that the foliage can irritate skin. Routine pruning is not required; wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it, and avoid sites where people may brush against coarse hairs. [The Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6290/echium-candicans/details) provides the size, flower, exposure, and cultivation guidance for this species. ## Maintenance