The plant in the picture is an Echium and since I saw it in a gardening book I thought it would look good in our garden. It is a Mediterranean plant and thrives in hot dry conditions. Believing in global warming I thought starting to get Mediterranean plants for the garden would be good future planning. Tried to order it from local garden centres but got no joy. Then discovered a garden centre in Toscany who deliver. So ordered one from them at a cost of 7 euros plus postage. The postage came to 13 euros and so I am now the proud owner of a 20 euro plant. However, if it looks as good as the picture it will be money well spent.