Tower of Jewels Echium pininana
ABOUT
Echium pininana, commonly known as the Tower of Jewels, is a striking plant well-known for its attractive appearance. It possesses a rosette of lance-shaped, hairy leaves that are greenish-grey in color. This foliage provides a contrasting backdrop to its most prominent feature: a towering spire adorned with small funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms cluster densely around the spike in shades of blue, violet, crimson, or white, depending on the variety. The vivid colors and stately form of the Tower of Jewels make it a standout in any garden setting, offering a touch of architectural drama. The bees and butterflies find the abundant nectar and pollen within its flowers irresistible, adding to the plant's charm with their frequent visits. The overall look of the Echium pininana is one of grandeur and exotic appeal, despite the absence of a detailed discussion regarding its size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Tower of Jewels, Giant Viper's-bugloss, Pine Echium, Tree Echium
Common names
Echium pininana
ToxicityTo humans
The Tower of Jewels is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. However, like many plants, it could potentially cause irritation or an allergic reaction upon contact with its sap or handling the plant, especially for people with sensitive skin. Ingestion of plant parts is not typically associated with poisoning, but it is generally not advisable to eat plants that are not specifically known to be edible due to potential risks and lack of information on toxicity. If any part is ingested and adverse symptoms appear, it is important to seek medical advice.
To pets
The Tower of Jewels is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. However, as with humans, it could cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some pets if they come into contact with its sap or fibers. In general, it is recommended to prevent pets from eating plants that are not known to be safe. If a pet ingests this plant and shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Canary Islands
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echium pininana, commonly known as the tower of jewels, is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Ornamental Value: With its tall, striking spires of violet-blue flowers, the plant adds aesthetic interest and height to gardens and landscape designs.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Echium pininana is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for water-wise gardening in appropriate climates.
- Coastal Adaptation: The plant is well-adapted to coastal environments, tolerating salt sprays and winds, which makes it ideal for seaside gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: The structure of Echium pininana provides shelter and nesting opportunities for various bird species.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once settled in the right environment, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Soil Improvement: Like many plants, Echium pininana can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health by adding organic matter as it grows and sheds leaves.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Beekeeping Attractant: Echium pininana is highly attractive to bees, making it an excellent plant to include in gardens or landscapes where beekeeping is practiced to enhance pollination.
- Ornamental Focal Point: Due to its towering spires of flowers, the Tower of Jewels can serve as a dramatic centerpiece in garden design, especially in large borders or as a backdrop to other plants.
- Coastal Gardens: Echium pininana is suited for coastal gardens, as it can tolerate salt winds and sandy soils, making it a good choice for seaside planting.
- Windbreaks: The tall and sturdy nature of the Tower of Jewels allows it to be used as a windbreak in gardens that are exposed to high winds.
- Educational Tool: The distinctive growth pattern and lifecycle of Echium pininana can be used to teach about biennial plants and their reproductive strategies in educational gardens or botanical displays.
- Architectural Landscaping: Its unique architectural structure can be incorporated into modern landscape designs that emphasize structural forms and lines.
- Thematic Gardening: Echium pininana can be used in thematic gardens aimed at recreating a Mediterranean or subtropical ambiance due to its origins and growing requirements.
- Photography Object: As a visually striking plant, it is often used by garden photographers and enthusiasts as a subject for botanical and landscape photography.
- Butterfly Garden Component: Tower of Jewels is not only beloved by bees; it can also help attract and nourish butterflies, thus contributing to butterfly conservation efforts within a garden's ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late spring to early summer bloom, Echium pininana provides seasonal interest and color during a time when many other plants have not yet reached their peak.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tower of jewels is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tower of jewels is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Pride: Echium pininana, commonly known as Pride of Madeira, implies a sense of pride and magnificence, reflecting its towering presence and stately blooms that stand out in a garden.
- Attraction: The vibrant purple-blue flowers are visually captivating, symbolizing attraction and the power to draw attention in its native habitat or in a cultivated environment.
- Resilience: As a plant capable of thriving in harsh, rocky soils, Pride of Madeira symbolizes resilience and the ability to prosper in challenging conditions.
WaterTower of jewels should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Typically, this would mean watering once every week or two, depending on the climate and weather conditions. When you do water, provide enough water to soak the root zone, which could mean using about 1-2 gallons for a mature plant, depending on the size and the environmental conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial not to leave the plant in standing water or excessively moist soil.
LightTower of jewels prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. It thrives best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for tower of jewels would be an area where it's exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day, avoiding shaded or partially shaded areas that could impede its growth and blooming potential.
TemperatureTower of jewels can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but ideally, it thrives in conditions between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures well above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant's tolerance to cold makes it suitable for growing in areas that experience cooler nights, as long as frost is not a regular occurrence.
PruningTower of jewels does not require frequent pruning, but deadheading spent flowers promotes further blooming and may enhance the plant's appearance. Pruning is best done after the main flowering spike has faded, which is typically after the first or second year of growth. During this time, you can cut back the main spike to encourage the growth of side shoots, which will flower in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tree Echium or Giant Viper’s Bugloss requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would be equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage. You can also incorporate compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
RepottingThe Tree Echium, being a biennial or triennial plant, does not require frequent repotting. It should only be repotted if the container is too small to accommodate growth or if the soil has degraded, typically every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingThe Tree Echium prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry conditions found in most home environments. However, if the air is extremely dry, a light misting may be beneficial, especially during hot summer months.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and frequent rotation.
Outdoor
Provide full sun, protect from strong winds, and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleEchium pininana, commonly known as Tower of Jewels or Giant Viper's Bugloss, begins its life as a seed, sown in well-drained soil under moderate climates, usually in spring or autumn. The seed germinates and grows into a rosette of hairy, lanceolate leaves during its first year, establishing a strong root system. In its second year, Echium pininana produces a tall, dramatic spike adorned with small, bell-shaped blue or purple flowers, attracting various pollinators. After flowering, which can last several weeks, the plant sets seeds and then completes its life cycle, dying after seed dispersal. The seeds, once shed, may lie dormant until conditions are right for germination, continuing the species' biennial life cycle. Since Echium pininana is monocarpic, individual plants only flower once before dying, but they often leave behind numerous progeny to take their place.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echium pininana, commonly known as the Tower of Jewels, is most popularly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Echium pininana seeds is in late winter to early spring, as the seeds need a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively. To start, fill a tray or pot with a well-draining seed starting mix and scatter the seeds on top, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. It's essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the container in a warm spot with plenty of light but not direct sunlight, which can be too harsh for the delicate seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outside to a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is important to note that Echium pininana is a biennial plant, which means it will flower in its second year before dying, so planning for bloom timing is essential.
