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Echinops ritro (Small globe thistle)

Echinops ritro Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Echinops ritro EH-ki-nops RIT-tro Common Name: Small globe thistle Genus: Echinops
This compact species has cobweb-like, woolly foliage. The unique spherical flowerheads appear steely blue before maturing to a brighter blue. The late summer flowers add charm of form and texture to a mixed border.
 Noteworthy characteristics: The plants do well in a wide range of garden sites, from a wild garden to a cottage garden.  The flowers are suitable for fresh cutting or drying.
 Care: Prefers poor, well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate a range of soils and partial shade. Deadhead to prevent self-sowing.
 Propagation: Sow seed in mid-spring; divide in fall or spring.
 Problems: Aphids.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Naturalizing
Style , Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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