Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Boraginaceae

Genus:

Echium

Species:

Echium lusitanicum

USDA Symbol:

ECLU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

120 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

blue, purple, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky, coastal areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily at 15-20°C without pretreatment. Surface sow as seeds may require light.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI