Property News · October 8, 2016

Ask Alys: how can I look after my tree echium?


Alys Fowler has the answerI have grown a tree echium (Echium pininana) from seed and it now stands proudly in my front garden at over 4m high. It has become the talking point of our street. Last winter I protected it from frosts but it has since doubled in height. What can I do this winter? An offshoot has appeared about 50cm from the base of the plant. I feel the weight of expectation from my neighbours to keep the plant going into next year.The tree echium is a biennial or short-lived perennial, so once it flowers, it dies. Flowering usually occurs in the second year, so it should have set seed; often if it likes its space (and it sounds as if yours does). It will readily self-seed, but it makes sense to collect some seed to sow indoors from February to May. If you want to remain the talking point, you will have to resow the plant every year to keep a continuous supply of flowers. Related: Ask Alys Fowler: why aren’t my wildflowers blooming? Continue reading…

Source : theguardian.com
Read more…Ask Alys: how can I look after my tree echium?

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