Echinops bannaticus Blue Glow

Available mid June

Echinops b. Blue Glow photo courtesy of Walters Gardens

Globe Thistle

Echinops, a member of the Aster family, is a clumping perennial that is very easy to grow but not invasive. Beginning in early summer, intense blue spheres measuring 4 cms across appear on tall, unbranched stems. Bumblebees and nocturnal moths delight in their sweet nectar. These distinctive flowers rise above the showy silvery green foliage. Though they look prickly, they are not as rough to the touch as you might expect. Echinops makes a great cut flower or dried everlasting. They add a unique element to any arrangement and are very popular with florists.

Height: 91-121 cm (3-4 ft)
Spread: 60-72 cm (24-28 in)
Cold Hardiness: Zone 3-8
Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of direct sun
Bloom Time: early to late summer
Leaf Colour: green
Bloom Colour: blue
Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
Nature Attraction: butterflies and hummingbirds

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Echinops is best when grown in poor, well-drained soil and full sun. However, it will tolerate almost any soil and part shade. To encourage rebloom in the fall and to prevent self-seeding, spent flowers should be removed. Mature plants 3 or more years old may be propagated by removing the small plantlets surrounding the main clump of foliage and replanting them. This may be done in either spring or fall. The flower heads dry easily.