Ann, seems there are many Echiums. The "echium vulgare" that Finsky is talking about sounds shorter?
Brendhan's "Pride of Madeira" that he loves is called Echium Candicans.
Giant Echium "echium pininianna
Sounds like echiums would be a beautiful addition to my bees' gardens and is worthy of experimentation to see if I can grow and overwinter these in my climate. I am game for experiments with flowers. I mulch some tender perennials and they come back, like the banana plants and the gunnera, we'll see. I am sure I can obtain seed from somewhere, I see a site on the internet, but it is in the UK and I would rather shop Canadian. Have a beautiful and great day, great health. Cindi