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Echiums

bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
in Plants
Over many years we have tried to grow them but to no success. Today some friends gave us a seedling. We are in heavy clay and wonder could we grow it in a large pot with better conditions.
What do you think?
As always many thanks.

Posts

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Depends which one it is ,  if it’s a small Vulgare you could use a big pot, but if it the 20’ Pininana, you can’t. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    There are many different species of Echium, ranging from small annuals to massive monsters. You need to tell us which.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I take it you mean the blue spire type of Echium... A pot would work if you could put it in a protected spot over winter, but I think Echium will be happier in the ground. If you can create a mound of free draining soil against a sheltered wall, preferably a house  that would probably be a good bet.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    My neighbour always has a few in his front garden, I think they are benefitting from the microclimate created by the house and the evergreen shrubs. He gets plenty of self seeded plants to replace the old ones. If you are lucky to get one to flower, you may find seedlings appear in the places that they will naturally thrive.


    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    Thank you all. Our friends believe it is pininana. So we are going to try in a pot as our soil is so heavy clay and previously none have survived. As it is a gift we are willing to give it a chance in a big pot with better medium. Fingers crossed.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Big pot needed.
    It will be very top heavy, so somewhere sheltered needed.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    The problem with clay is that you can't get them through winter so I'd try the pot. You will need to weight it and wedge it to prevent toppling. Good luck.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Mine grew a trunk as thick as my arm,  when I get them out after flowering I can’t lift them.  They need to be in the ground really, they grow a long tap root. 
    So, a very big strong pot will be needed.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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