Got a fascination for fastuosum? One of my favorite plants has been Echium fastuosum also known as Pride of Madeira. It is in glorious bloom right now all over Solano County. It grows with abandon at the Vallejo waterfront and throughout its many neighborhoods. Although it seems to be a common plant in our area, this place continues to be a car stopper, literally. There aren't many plants that bring folks to the front door with the same question. What is that plant with the big purple plumes and can I have a piece for my garden!? I am not kidding. This has happened twice in the past week. Fortunately, Echium doesn't mind a little pruning at all. This very hardy perennial thrives in our local, so similar to the Mediterranean coast, alongside the Carquinez Strait. It gets just enough moisture to remain healthy and brings the stupendous blooms each and every year. I have seen many plants in the 6 to 7 foot range with a breadth of equal volume. The long grey green leaves remain throughout the year and provide a nice looking shrub throughout the year.
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