Pride Of Madeira, Dramatic and Draught Resistant In No CAL and Northern Israel!

The Pride Of Madeira plants that I planted in a little neighborhood garden that I designed four or so years ago are in bloom, and it is truly a gorgeous site! I thought I'd share a few photos with you for those of you who might like to try a plant that has a great Meditteranean garden flair, grows really quickly and is very dramatic looking. Sorry folks on the East Coast this one isn't for you, but those in California and Texas, and other areas without freezing winters, run out and get one! In fact that reminds me that I'd like to try growing one in a container in my own garden! The plant you see here was just a little baby, the size of a small houseplant when I planted it, and wow, how it grew, even within two or so years into a huge woody tree/bush.

I first became aware of Pride of Madeira on a visit home when I took my kids to the Berkeley Marina. There next to the shore I saw this fabulous plant in bloom and while I was thinking it was something that needed to grow near the water, it certainly does not. It loves the climate here in Northern Israel, which is very similar to the climate in Northern California (though colder here in the winter.)

Such great looks with really very little effort, except some pruning here and there when the plant gets to unruly or too woody. This plant would look great with Yucca and Agave, or any other sculptural plant as well as Mediterranean garden staples like lavender and white roses. It goes with gravel paths and sea breezes, ahhhh, and the natural looking garden, which is what I am trying to achieve here.
Like that stone wall, pretty gorgoues too right? It is actually a new wall that I added to the garden, but bullt with old reclaimed stones from old collapsed buildings in the area. The stones are purchased per stone, and that is the way to build something that looks like it really fits in around here!

Ah yes, and that plant that I first say,well I was able to locate those photos as well, so here they are:

As you can see here, the plant has a woody trunk, and can be pruned to be more tree-like if that suits you. I actually prefer mine as I have many more blooms with the plant in bush form.