Echium amoenum 'Red Feathers'

Red Feathers has masses of beautiful spikes of red tubular flowers with pink overtones rising above the foliage from early summer to late fall, which emerge from distinctive lavender flower buds, and which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves remain bluish-green in colour throughout the year.

Red Feathers will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 14 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 3 years. As an evergreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

Red Feathers is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.