We have reports from the field that young ‘tower of jewels’ have been spotted:
31st October 2024 – Friends of Glen Goyle
The team of volunteers making up the Thursday morning FOGG working party found these, as photographed by John Hopkins:
The website ‘Plants of Distinction’ describe them thus:
One of natures miracles. From a rosette of hairy strap shaped leaves on a thickish stem, will arise, astonishingly, a 12-14′ tower of bright blue flowers, like swarming bees. Quite mesmerizing when seen. 12-14′. All Echiums are fabulous for bees and butterflies and are a huge source of nectar. There are several echiums to choose from. The foliage is similar but the flowers are different colours. Echiums will grow and thrive in most areas, however they do not like excessive moisture and must be grown in well-drained soil.
ECHIUM PININANA TOWER OF JEWELS | Perennial & Biennial Seeds
So, where they were seen, these plants seem to be in the best spot along the Glen.
The RHS gives them an alternative name:
Echium pininana|giant viper’s bugloss/RHS Gardening
And says they are relatively easy to grow – so (green!) fingers crossed for the spring:
Finally, the Gardeners World website says they’re originally from the Canaries – so ideal for the Glen:
Echium pininana | BBC Gardeners World Magazine
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