Echium gentianoides

The brilliant blue-purple cones of Echium species have become a spring harbinger for coastal landscapes.

The Canary Island Monte Verde or Laurel Forest habitat is a living relict of sub-tropical humid vegetation which, until five million years ago could be found in large parts of South Europe and North Africa. Today only 7% of these species can be found in the Laurel Forest habitat which is declining rapidly because of human intervention.

The trade winds blowing north-west bring humid air masses, moving up the mountain slopes, condenses into dense fog (mimicking our California Coast) creating optimum growing conditions for the Laurel Forest habitat of which Echium and its 47 species live.

The brilliant blue-purple cones of Echium species have become a spring harbinger for coastal landscapes. In fact the Dr. Seuss of Echiums,

Echium pinniana, tree echium, and Echium candicans, ‘The Pride of Madeira’ (rare in its native habitat) can be weedy when they have their preferred conditions.

My favorite, non-invader, Echium gentianoides is sadly almost extinct in its native habitat of La Palma Island part of the Canary Archipelagos, but reliably returns to our North Trail each spring, bursting from pink buds to a brilliant jaw dropping cerulean blue. Loose spikes sit atop pink stems surrounded by silky, blue-grey foliage with a prominent pink stripe up the middle, a gorgeous site to behold.

Tajinaste is often given as a cultivar name but is actually the word for Echium derived from the Guanche language (related to ancient Berbers) and gentianoides, translates as blue top, which I assumed was flower color but in this case means high elevation or summit.

May is a wonderful time to visit the Gardens when everything is lush with new growth, the Rhododendrons are in their full regalia, roses are just opening their buds, and Echium gentianoides waves its blue spires heralding joyful spring.

Submitted by

Lily Ricardi

Horticulturist/Gardener