Echium pininana is a spectacular Echium from the Canary Islands, capable of producing a 12ft flower spike of deep blue flowers from a basal rosette of narrow hairy leaves. From my own experience it will only take -5˚C before being killed by frost but if you are in a warm area, you have to try this plant given room. It is really a biennial though flowering the second year from seed after which it will need replacing. Make sure you have plenty of room for this giant!
