Echium ‘Pink Fountain’

A spectacular architectural Echium, producing towering spires of soft pink flowers that become a magnet for bees.

Echium ‘Pink Fountain’ is an impressive statement plant, developing a dramatic column of soft pink, funnel-shaped flowers held along an enormous flower spike. In bloom it creates exceptional height and impact, while the individual flowers are rich in nectar and extraordinarily attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Before flowering, it forms a handsome rosette of long, textured green leaves.

Best grown in a sunny, sheltered position with very free-draining soil. ‘Pink Fountain’ behaves as a biennial or short-lived perennial, typically forming its leafy rosette before producing its magnificent flower spike in a subsequent year. Good drainage is particularly important through winter, and protection from severe frost and cold winds will give plants the best chance of reaching flowering size.

Specifications

• Height: 2–3m when flowering

• Spread: 60–90cm

• Flowering: Late spring to summer

• Position: Full sun, ideally sheltered

• Soil: Free-draining, moderately fertile soil

• Hardiness: Tender in colder areas, best in mild, sheltered gardens

• Habit: Architectural rosette producing a towering flower spike

• Maintenance: Low maintenance, protect young plants from severe frost and winter wet

🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting

The Isle of Wight is one of the better places in the UK to grow spectacular Echiums outdoors, particularly in sheltered coastal gardens and the Island's warmer microclimates. Choose a sunny position protected from cold winds and, most importantly, make sure drainage is excellent. On heavier ground, a raised or gravelly planting area will considerably improve its chances of overwintering successfully.

🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range

• Stipa tenuissima – its fine, moving foliage complements the enormous architectural flower spike without competing with it.

• Gaura ‘The Bride’ – airy white flowers create a light, naturalistic layer around the base of the Echium.

• Verbena ‘Bampton’ – dark foliage and delicate purple-pink flowers echo the pink tones while providing a contrasting, airy habit.

• Salvia ‘Caradonna’ – strong vertical violet flower spikes give structure at a lower level and are equally attractive to pollinators.

• Erigeron ‘Lavender Lady’ – useful at the front of the planting, providing a low, long-flowering skirt around taller plants.

• Achillea ‘Lilac Beauty’ – flat flower heads contrast beautifully with the towering Echium and continue the soft pink and lilac palette.

🌟 The Green Standard Tip

Give ‘Pink Fountain’ room to be the star rather than surrounding it with other large architectural plants. A single Echium rising through softer grasses, Gaura and Verbena can create a spectacular display. In colder weather, protecting the growing point from hard frost and keeping the roots as dry as possible through winter can make all the difference.