Echium
wildpretii, commonly known as tower of jewels or red bugloss, is a biennial or
short-lived perennial that is native to volcanic slopes on Tenerife Island in
the Canary Islands where it is commonly found at elevations of 4,200 to 6,500
feet. It grows as a basal rosette (to 2-3’ wide) of silvery linear-lanceolate
leaves (each to 8” long) in the first year followed in the second year (but
sometimes not until the third year) by a single, bold flower stalk rising from
the leaf rosette to as much as 5-6’ tall topped by a three foot long
cylindrical panicle containing hundreds of showy, rich, funnel-shaped,
densely-packed, coral-red to violet flowers. Flowers bloom in late spring to
early summer in Tenerife. Tower of jewels was awarded the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Award of Garden Merit in 2002. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 where
it is best grown in light, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full
sun. Thrives in arid and dry conditions. In its native habitat, it typically
grows in rocky and volcanically-soiled slopes in cool summers. It tolerates
temperatures down to 25 degrees F. Performs well in average soils as long as
drainage is superb. Avoid rich or damp soils. Showy biennial for sunny dry
locations.
Growing
Instructions for the Tower of Jewels
The seeds like
well-drained soil and full sun. Plant in potting soil with compost around
1/8-inch deep, and put a thin layer of sand over the top to anchor seeds in
place. Mist lightly each day, and maintain a consistent temperature of 60 to 70
degrees Fahrenheit during the course of germination. The seeds germinate in 2-3
weeks.
Phoenix (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Owen (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting
Liam (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Phoenix (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Owen (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days