Cordyline
Australis in flower. These plants are quite hardy once they are of a
reasonable size. After flowering the heads divide, leaving a
branched structure. They are often grown in pots, where the
constrained roots will limit growth.
Echiums are easy to grow, but will require winter protection in all but the mildest areas. They usually flower in their second year, and will die after flowering. Masses of seeds are produced which self propagate generously. These are echium pininana, the wild version, which have purple flowers.
Photos
of an echium >> through summer 2008