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Tower of Jewels Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exciting plants to add to their collection.
The Tower of Jewels plant, also known as Echium wildpretii, is a stunning biennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
Its towering spires of pinkish-purple flowers make it a showstopper in any garden.
Origins and Characteristics
The Tower of Jewels plant is native to the Canary Islands and belongs to the Boraginaceae family.
It has silver-green leaves that form a rosette at its base, from which it grows its tall flower spikes.
The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
- The plant has an average lifespan of two years.
- It grows best in warm climates with well-drained soil.
- Echium wildpretii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth.
Care Tips
If you’re planning on adding this beautiful plant to your garden, here are some care tips that will help ensure its longevity:
Watering
- The Tower of Jewels prefers moderate watering during its growing season but can tolerate drought once established.
- Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases.
Note: During extreme heat or dry weather conditions increase watering frequency for better growth results
Fertilizing
- Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring and summer for optimal growth.
- Compost is also suitable for the Tower of Jewels plant as it provides essential nutrients that promote healthy growth.
- The plant doesn’t require much pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms.
- The best time to prune is after blooming season when the plant has finished producing flowers.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease affects the base of the plant and causes it to wilt.
To prevent this, avoid overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil.
- Rust: This disease appears as yellow or orange spots on leaves; remove any infected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering to prevent its spread.
Pruning
Pests and Diseases
The Tower of Jewels plant is generally pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases such as:
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a stunning addition to your garden that attracts pollinators, then the Tower of Jewels is an excellent choice.
With its towering spires of pinkish-purple blooms, silver-green leaves, and easy-to-care-for nature, Echium wildpretii will undoubtedly become one your favorites.
Follow these simple care tips mentioned above to keep your plants healthy throughout their life cycle!
