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Sacha[_3_] · 04-07-2008, 11:35 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

On 4/7/08 18:29, in article ,
"Chris Hogg" wrote:

On Fri, 4 Jul 2008 04:11:14 -0700 (PDT), Ornata
wrote:

I've just bought a couple of these (I was intending to grow some from
seed but Crocus had decent-sized plants discounted to £3.50 each and I
couldn't resist) and would be grateful for some advice as to whether I
can treat them as hardy in my London garden. One problem is that my
soil is fairly heavy clay (though regularly amended with lots of
organic matter). I was thinking of planting them in my front garden,
which is south-facing, enclosed, sloping and with reasonable drainage
which I could further improve by adding extra grit. But would they
stand a good chance of surviving the winter?

I understand also that this Echium is fairly easy to root from
cuttings - any advice? Could I take cuttings now to overwinter in the
greenhouse?

I'd be interested in hearing other people's experiences with this
plant. Thanks in advance.

My reply to a similar post a few week ago:

"I usually grow one or two in the garden, as well as E. pininana,
which is hardier. But as you will see from my sig, I'm in the far
south west of Cornwall, overlooking the sea, and the climate is very
mild.
snip
For the first time this year, we have managed to get E.piniana though the
winter. We think it's because they had some shelter from other plants and
trees and were planted in a sloping well-drained border. They've just
flowered and we hope they're going to set seed and have babies all around
them.
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon