This bushy evergreen flowering shrub is a native of the island Madeira as the common name suggests but is popular along the coast of California where it tolerates drought and poor soil as well as wind and salt. The narrow leaves are hairy and grey green. In spring to summer white to deep blue flowers appear in showy dense cylindrical terminal spikes. Pride of Maderia is a handsome plant and can be an eye-ctaching focal point in a border. They are relatively short-lived but self seed.
Type: Flowering shrub
Outstanding Features: Flower spikes
Form: Rounded rosette of leaves; flowers in spikes
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom: Spikes of densely packed white to blue flowers in spring and summer
Size: 5-8′ H x 5-8′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, dry
Care: Cut back hard in fall to encourage new growth
Hardiness: Zones 10-11
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to slugs,white flies, spider mites
Propagation: Seed, semi-ripe root cuttings in midsummer.
Karen Meyers