Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Boraginaceae

Genus:

Echium

Species:

Echium creticum

USDA Symbol:

ECCR3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Biennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

purple, blue, pink

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Mediterranean regions, prefers dry conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Sow seeds on surface or lightly covered; germinates readily in warm conditions without pretreatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI