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Herbaceous Perennial

Echinops bannaticus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

blue globe thistle

A clump-forming perennial with upright, grey, woolly stems and spiny, hairy, grey-green divided leaves. Spherical blue-grey to blue flowerheads, up to 5cm across, are produced in mid- and late summer

Other common names
Hungarian globe thistle
Synonyms
Echinops ritro misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver Grey Silver Blue Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Echinops can be annuals, biennials or perennials with simple or pinnately lobed, spiny leaves and spherical blue or whitish flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in poor, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate most soils in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in seed bed in mid spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn or by root cuttings in winter

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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