Family: Boraginaceae
Scientific name: Echium fastuosum
Common name: Pride of Madeira
Origin: Madeira

The Pride of Madeira is a well-known plant of Madeira where it occurs along the coast and in Laurisilva of origin. The plant is biennial or perennial: in the first year it forms a rosette which is followed during the second year by beautiful blue flower clusters of up to 45 cm. The plant can be kept at a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius. Provide a sunny spot. 

In among others Australia and New Zealand it has become an invasive species, so it is not recommended to let the plant grow in warm countries where it can stand outside during winter too.

Sowing description: Sow seeds in late Winter or early Spring. Use sowing mix and let them germinate at around 20 degC. Keep the soil constantly moist. Germination normally occurs in 3 to 8 weeks, possibly later. 

Sowing time: January - March
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius

Photo 2: Garden Coach via blog