Variegated Echium candicans

Also called by some E. fastuosum, this shrubby perennial from the Madeira Islands is no stranger to our gardens here in California, but variegated foliage forms have become quite popular in this area of late. This clone I received from Kathy Echols, a local well-known plants woman, who selected it personally out of a large batch of variegated variants. I don't recall her given it a name. We grow this one in a large pot by our garden gate so we can enjoy it even when it is out of bloom, but this is a special moment with the spikes start to elongate and flowers color up.