What is it? It's pretty!

Deanna

It's echium russicum. click on it and it'll become larger.
Duane

Wow, that really is a stunner! I've read that it's only hardy to zone 6, but you might have something there... "don't be afraid to try something new."

With that... I just might have to take a leap of faith next year! The hummers would be happy!

I just got a seedling for that from Lindalana! I'm not sure if it's the red one, though. Plantfiles lists it as zone 6, but some other sites list it a being hardier. I hope mine does as well as yours!

Aren't echiums biennial so they wouldn't flower the first year anyway? I wanted to grow one of the giant blue ones as nectar sources but found out they don't survive zone 5 winters. Bummer. I'll just enjoy your pics, then! :-D
Kris

Duane Duane Duane.......
See what you started?
I just HAD to go research that plant and now I've added it to my list of NEED SEEDS.

Even though most sites have listed hardiness only to zone 6, there are plenty of postings and stories about it surviving down to zone 3 even.

You can bet I'll be giving them a try

Kris, the hardiness zones can be played with a bit. If it says zone 6, with a little extra protection over the winter, you never know.

I keep thinkin' rose cones!! I mean, look at what we put annuals through when we winter sow. Who woulda thought??

LOL, fgirl! I had to research it too! That really is a striking plant, and the flower is my favorite color!

Duane, do you remember where you got the seeds?

dawiff---I got the seeds in a trade and don't remember who. sorry.
Duane

Humans designed the hardiness zones, and luckily, plants can't read!

I'll be adding this one to next year's wintersowing list!!!

Bonnie

Here is a link that might be useful: Specialty Perennials - Echium russicum

Very pretty! I would be happy to have those in my garden

Karen

Dawiff - I know what to send you for Christmas!!

That's a beauty!

Very pretty.

Karen