Re: Echium simplex

Not sure if we have this specific species on Maui. Flowers looked the same but growth habits different. The plants I have seen become a branching semi shrub and are right down the road from us here in Kula. So far summer high is 91F and overnight lows 50F. We do have several Canary Islands plants going nuts up here in Kula..... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sean A. O'Hara" <sean@gimcw.org> 
To: <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 6:01 AM
Subject: Echium simplex
Years ago, I suggested to a local plant grower (Annies Annuals) that they try 
growing Echium simplex (Boraginaceae) which I had seem photos of in author
Heidi Gildemeister's garden on Mallorca:
http://mediterraneangardensociety.org/i/journal/52-future/2.jpg
As we grow various Echiums quite successfully here in the San Francisco Bay Area, it seemed that it would be relatively easy in our gardens. The plant does grow easily, but Annie complains that it never flowers! I've grow this plant myself, and planted it in some of the my landscape projects and noted 
the same.

I have read that this species comes from the Macizo de Anaga region on
Tenerife, Canary Islands. I've been trying to figure out what conditions it might be looking for in order to bring it into flower, but so far have found 
nothing to suggest an answer.  Since our local mediterranean climate is
relatively mild and uniform in temperature, I wonder if this plant requires more heat (anyone in Southern California have better luck with this Echium?)?
I would be grateful for any direct observations of this species and it flowering. 
Thanks,
Seán O.

Seán A. O'Hara
sean(at)gimcw.org
www.hortulusaptus.com
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