Pride of Madeira is a fast growing shrub with a mounding form and woody branching structure that easily reaches 6-8 ft. tall and 8-10 ft. wide when given space. Foliage is comprised of soft gray-green tapered leaves that attach to heavy stems. Dramatic spikes of blue to purple flowers cover the plant in early to mid spring and can last for several weeks. The cultivar, E. c. ‘Star of Madeira,’ has striking white to yellow leaf margins and is not as robust as the species.

Pride of Madeira is native to the Canary Islands where it grows on rocky slopes, in full sun with wind and periods of seasonal drought. As a result, it is well adapted all parts of the Inland Empire where it needs space to accommodate its robust growth rate and size. Too much water results in excess growth; older plants can be pruned to reveal interesting branching. This is a good choice for slopes and banks and around garden perimeters.