Description

General aspect and origins - Echium pininana, also known as tree echium, or tower of jewels, is a biennial plant which is native to the Canary islands. Its showy inflorescence can reach up to about 10-12 ft (3-3.5 m) tall.
Leaves - Leaves of the tree echium are evergreen and lanceolate. Like the stems, leaves are pubescent, and may cause skin irritation.
Flowers - Inflorescence of the tree echium appears in the beginning of the second spring : the stem quickly reaches up to 10-12 ft (3-3.5 m) tall, and bears numerous tiny blue-violet flowers. After flowering, the plant dies, generally with numerous young seedling plants around.

Culture

The tree echium is a showy plant, that will withstand negative temperatures down to 26°F - 25°F (-3°C to -4°C) Note that the pubescent leaves and stem may cause skin irritation.
Soil - The tree echium requires a well-drained ground.

Propagation

The tree echium is easily propagated by seeds. In mild climates, this plant may be invasive.