Pride of Madeira: A Dramatic Mediterranean Showstopper

To describe Pride of Madeira's features as anything less than stunning doesn't do it justice. You've likely heard the attributes—purple flower spikes, mounding habit, low water use, coastal tolerance, sage green foliage—but once you've seen one in all its glory, you'll never forget it. Like its namesake island, Pride of Madeira allures from both near and far.

Botanical name: Echium candicans (syn. Echium fastuosum)
Common name: Pride of Madeira
USDA zones: 9 to 10; hardy to about 25°F (find your zone)
Water requirement: Little to none
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 5 to 6 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Flowers attract bees, birds, and butterflies; deer resistant; drought and coastal tolerant
Seasonal interest: Evergreen; flowers spring through summer
When to plant: Plant seeds in spring; plant cuttings in midsummer

Caution: Pride of Madeira can irritate skin. Wear gloves and proper protection when handling.

Distinguishing Traits

Even without massive terminal flower spikes, Pride of Madeira's striking form and attractive foliage fill the garden year-round. Woody stems project elegantly, finished with narrow furry leaves growing to the ends. Bountiful flower clusters arrive in spring, beckoning pollinators.

How to Use It

Bold colors and loose forms translate well in coastal Mediterranean gardens, making this a natural fit. Pair with other bold plants like bougainvillea, or like-minded dusty purple and green shrubs like lavender.

Plant toward the back of beds to avoid blocking daintier plants. Many homeowners plant it on hillsides and slopes, akin to its native habitat.

Caution: The plant reseeds; avoid planting near riparian or habitat restoration zones. The California Invasive Plant Council lists statewide impact as limited.

Planting Notes

Provide full sun, minimal water, and well-drained soil. Prefers drier climates but thrives in coastal conditions without extreme temperature swings.

Cut back in fall after flowering to maintain a healthy, bushy shape and promote new growth.

Pride of Madeira reseeds freely—helpful since it's not the most long-lived plant; it will fill in if the parent dies. Let seed heads dry on the plant and collect them to plant elsewhere or prevent unmonitored spreading.